JPay
JPay - Messaging, Photos, Video Visits and Money Transfer for State Prison Families
- 35+
- States Covered
- 1,000+
- Facilities Supported
- 5 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
JPay Inmate Communication Overview
JPay is owned by Aventiv Technologies and is the most widely deployed inmate communication platform for state prisons in the United States, serving over 35 states and more than 1,000 correctional facilities. If your loved one is in a state prison, JPay is the most likely platform you will need to use for messaging, money transfers, and video visits.
JPay operates through a virtual stamp system. You purchase stamps in advance and use them to send messages and photo attachments to your loved one. Each standard text message requires one stamp costing between $0.33 and $0.47 depending on the state. The JPay app is available for free on iOS and Android and is one of the better-designed apps in this category.
JPay does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. Federal inmates use CorrLinks for messaging. If you are unsure whether your loved one is in a federal or state facility, search our facility directory to find the correct provider for their specific location.
JPay Services
Communication services offered by JPay and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging using a stamp-based system. Purchase stamps to send messages to incarcerated individuals. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery.
Stamp prices vary by state, typically $0.33–$0.47 per stamp. One stamp = one standard message.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Remote video visitation available at participating facilities. Schedule visits through the JPay app or website.
Not available at all JPay facilities. Check facility-specific availability before scheduling.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Send digital photos directly to incarcerated individuals through the JPay platform. Photos are reviewed for content compliance before delivery.
Typically $0.45–$0.65 per photo. Photos must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
Phone calling services available at select facilities through JPay's phone platform.
Phone services at many CDCR and TDCJ facilities are managed by GTL rather than JPay. Confirm which provider handles phone at the specific facility.
Money Transfer
Send funds directly to an inmate's trust account for commissary purchases. Accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash at MoneyGram locations.
Transfer fees apply. Typically 2.75%–$2.95 depending on transfer amount and method.
Set Up Money TransferJPay Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
35+ states nationwide
Coverage Notes
JPay is primarily a state prison provider. Coverage varies significantly by state — some states use JPay system-wide while others use it only at select facilities. JPay does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities.
Facilities Served by JPay
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
JPay Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
JPay Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- No cost to create a JPay account.
- Free
- Email Stamp
- Per stamp. Price varies by state contract.
- $0.33–$0.47
- Photo
- Per digital photo sent.
- $0.45–$0.65
- Money Transfer Fee
- Whichever is greater. Varies by method.
- 2.75% or $2.95
- Video Visit
- Per-minute or session pricing depending on facility.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the JPay website before use.
JPay — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of JPay.
Strengths
- Largest state prison network, covering 35+ states and 1,000+ facilities.
- All-in-one account covers messaging, photos, video, and money transfer.
- Well-designed mobile app available on iOS and Android.
- Messaging, photos, and money transfer in one platform reduces account management.
- Established platform with years of family communication experience.
Limitations
- Not available at federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. Use CorrLinks for federal inmates.
- Stamp-based pricing can feel confusing for first-time users.
- Transfer fees on money deposits add cost over time.
- Phone services at some facilities managed by a different provider (GTL).
- Video visitation not universally available. Availability depends on the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions: JPay
Common questions from families about using JPay.
- How do I get started with JPay?
- Create a free account at jpay.com or through the JPay mobile app. Search for the facility where your loved one is housed to confirm JPay is available there. Add the inmate using their ID number, purchase stamps, and compose your first message.
- What is a JPay stamp?
- A JPay stamp is the digital currency used to send electronic messages. One stamp covers one standard-length message. Stamp prices vary by state, typically between $0.33 and $0.47 each. You purchase stamps in advance and use them each time you send a message.
- Does JPay work for federal prisons?
- No. Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities use CorrLinks — the BOP's official email system — not JPay. If your loved one is in a federal facility (such as a Federal Correctional Institution or United States Penitentiary), you need a CorrLinks account, not JPay.
- How long does it take for a JPay message to arrive?
- JPay messages are typically reviewed by facility staff before delivery to the inmate. Delivery usually takes 24 to 48 hours on business days, though some facilities process messages faster. Responses from the inmate depend on their access to JPay tablets or kiosks within the facility.
- How do I send money through JPay?
- Log into your JPay account and navigate to the Send Money section. Select the facility, enter the inmate's ID, and choose a payment method — debit card, credit card, or cash at a MoneyGram location. Funds are typically credited to the inmate's trust account within one to two business days. A processing fee applies.
Compare JPay With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
ConnectNetwork
50+ states
ConnectNetwork by GTL — Inmate Messaging, Video & Phone for County Jails
View GuideCorrLinks
50+ states
CorrLinks - Official Federal Bureau of Prisons Messaging System for All Federal Inmates
View GuideGettingOut
45+ states
GettingOut by Telmate Video Visits, Messaging and Phone Calls at 2,200+ County Jails
View GuideGet Started with JPay
Visit the official JPay website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.