Pigeonly
Letter writing, photo printing, and low-cost calling for families
- 50+
- States Covered
- 3,000+
- Facilities Supported
- 3 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
Pigeonly Inmate Communication Overview
Pigeonly is a family communication service that takes a distinct approach compared to most inmate communication providers. Rather than operating as a facility-contracted platform for digital messaging or video visits, Pigeonly positions itself as a subscription service focused on three core offerings: physical letter writing, photo printing and mailing, and low-cost phone calling. The company's mission centers on making prison communication more affordable and accessible for families across all income levels, with subscription pricing that replaces per-message or per-photo fees for letter and photo services.
The letter writing service allows families to compose messages through the Pigeonly app or website, which are then printed as physical letters and mailed to the inmate through the postal system. Because the final form is a physical letter, Pigeonly's service works at virtually any correctional facility in the country that accepts standard mail — which includes the vast majority of the 3,000+ facilities the company claims to support. Photo printing works similarly, with family-submitted digital photos printed on quality photo paper and mailed directly to the inmate. Pigeonly's subscription model includes a set number of letters and photos per month, making it especially cost-effective for families who maintain regular written correspondence.
For phone services, Pigeonly operates as a low-cost calling intermediary — not as a direct facility-contracted provider. The platform helps families identify lower-cost phone options and, in some cases, provides calling plans that reduce per-minute rates compared to the facility's default contracted rates. This is a meaningful distinction: Pigeonly's phone service does not replace the facility's phone system but works alongside it. For families who find standard inmate calling rates prohibitive, Pigeonly's phone options can provide meaningful cost savings, though availability varies by state and facility. Pigeonly does not offer video visitation or money transfer services.
Pigeonly Services
Communication services offered by Pigeonly and what each one includes.
Messaging
Compose messages through the Pigeonly app that are printed as physical letters and mailed to the inmate.
Included in subscription plan. Physical delivery via postal mail — typically 3 to 7 days. Works at virtually all facilities that accept standard mail.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Pigeonly does not offer video visitation services.
For video visits, use GettingOut, ConnectNetwork, or Securus depending on the facility.
Photo Sharing
Upload photos through the Pigeonly app that are printed and mailed as physical photo prints.
Included in subscription plan. Printed on photo-quality paper. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
Low-cost calling plans that help reduce the per-minute cost of inmate phone calls.
Pigeonly's calling service works alongside the facility's phone system. Rates and availability vary by state.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Pigeonly does not handle commissary deposits or money transfers.
For money transfers, use JPay, ConnectNetwork, or the facility's contracted money provider.
Pigeonly Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
All 50 states — physical mail service works at any mail-accepting facility
Coverage Notes
Pigeonly's letter and photo services work at virtually any facility that accepts standard postal mail. Phone service coverage is more limited and varies by state. Families should verify phone plan availability for their specific state.
Facilities Served by Pigeonly
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
Pigeonly Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
Pigeonly Fee Schedule
- Monthly Subscription
- Includes letters and photos per month. Higher tiers available.
- ~$9.99/month
- Printed Letter
- In subscription. Additional letters at per-letter rate.
- Included
- Photo Print
- In subscription. Additional photos at per-photo rate.
- Included
- Phone Calling
- Prepay plan — rates vary by state. Lower than standard facility rates.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the Pigeonly website before use.
Pigeonly — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of Pigeonly.
Strengths
- Physical letter delivery works at virtually all 3,000+ facilities regardless of digital infrastructure.
- Subscription model makes costs predictable for families who write regularly.
- Phone plans can significantly reduce per-minute calling costs.
- Works at federal facilities where digital messaging options are very limited.
- Family-friendly company with a community-focused mission.
Limitations
- Physical mail delivery is slower than digital messaging, typically 3 to 7 days.
- No video visitation or money transfer services.
- Phone service availability is limited by state and not available everywhere.
- Subscription cost applies even in months with reduced communication.
- Not a real-time communication option. It should not be used as the sole communication method.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pigeonly
Common questions from families about using Pigeonly.
- How does Pigeonly's letter service work?
- You compose a letter through the Pigeonly app or website and submit it. Pigeonly prints your letter and mails it to the facility via the postal service. The inmate receives it as a standard physical letter through the mail. Delivery typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on the facility's mail processing.
- Does Pigeonly work at federal prisons?
- Yes. Because Pigeonly's letter and photo services are delivered as physical postal mail, they work at any facility that accepts standard mail — including federal Bureau of Prisons institutions. Physical mail is generally accepted at all BOP facilities. For electronic messaging with a federal inmate, you still need CorrLinks separately.
- How does Pigeonly's phone plan save money?
- Pigeonly partners with lower-cost calling networks to offer rates below what the facility's default contracted provider charges. The exact savings depend on your state and facility. Pigeonly does not replace the facility's phone system — the inmate still calls from facility phones, but the call is routed through Pigeonly's network at a reduced rate. Phone plan availability is not universal and must be confirmed for your specific state.
- Is Pigeonly a subscription service?
- Yes. Pigeonly offers monthly subscription plans that include a set number of letters and photos per month. This makes costs predictable for families who maintain regular written correspondence. Additional letters or photos beyond the plan allowance are available at per-unit pricing. Phone services are prepay and billed separately from the subscription.
- Can I use Pigeonly alongside JPay or GettingOut?
- Yes. Many families use Pigeonly for letter writing and photos while using JPay or GettingOut for digital messaging and video visits. Because Pigeonly's letter service is postal-based, it works in parallel with any digital platform without conflict. This combination is common for families who want both the immediacy of digital messaging and the personal feel of a physical letter.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
Get Started with Pigeonly
Visit the official Pigeonly website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.