How To Add Money To Securus For Phone Calls: A Complete Guide

Depositing funds into a Securus Technologies account requires the user to link a valid payment method to an active inmate account via the official Securus online portal, mobile application, or automated phone system. Successful completion of these transactions relies on verifying the facility-specific location, the inmate's legal name, and their unique government-assigned identification number to ensure funds are accurately routed to the correct debit or calling balance.

Essential Prerequisites for Securus Account Funding

Before attempting to transfer funds, you must ensure you have gathered the necessary credentials to avoid transactional delays or misallocation of money. Securus manages communications for thousands of correctional facilities, each governed by specific jurisdictional rules regarding how funds can be applied to inmate accounts.

• Inmate Identification Requirements: You must have the inmate's full legal name and their official inmate ID number. Without this specific identifier, the system cannot verify the recipient's location within the correctional database.
• Facility Identification: You must know the exact state and name of the facility where the inmate is housed. Different facilities utilize varying Securus service tiers, affecting whether funds can be used for phone calls, e-messaging, or video visitation.
• Technical Hardware/Software: Access requires a stable internet connection if using the online portal, or a working telephone line if using the automated interactive voice response (IVR) system.
• Financial Instrument Requirements: Prepare a valid credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. Ensure the card issuer allows transactions to correctional vendors, as some financial institutions block these specific merchant category codes (MCC).
• Timeframe and Availability: Deposits usually process in real-time, but users should account for a 24-hour window for institutional internal processing. Budget for potential transaction fees, which vary based on the deposit method chosen.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Funding Securus Accounts

Step 1: Establish or Authenticate Your Securus Online Profile

Navigate to the official Securus Technologies website. If you are a new user, you must register by providing a valid email address, which serves as your primary login identifier. During registration, you will be prompted to set up security questions. If you are already registered, log in using your established credentials.

Pro-Tip: Always use a private, secure network when accessing the portal. Avoid public Wi-Fi to protect your financial credentials from potential interception.

Step 2: Add an Inmate to Your Contact List

Once logged into your dashboard, locate the "Add Inmate" or "Contact" function. You will be required to select the state and the facility where the inmate is currently located. Input the inmate’s ID number precisely as it appears on their official intake documentation. If the system fails to locate the individual, double-check the facility selection, as inmates are frequently transferred between units.

Step 3: Select the Deposit Service Type

After successfully linking the inmate to your profile, navigate to the "Transfer Funds" or "Make a Deposit" section. You must choose between an "AdvanceConnect" account (prepaid calling) or a "Debit" account. AdvanceConnect allows the inmate to call your specific phone number using your funds, while a Debit account allows the inmate to use the funds to call anyone on their approved contact list.

Step 4: Execute the Financial Transaction

Enter your payment information, including the billing address associated with your card. Before clicking "Submit," review the transaction summary. You will see a detailed breakdown of the deposit amount and any applicable convenience fees mandated by the service provider. Once the transaction is authorized, you will receive a confirmation number. Retain this number for your records in case of a funding dispute.

Step 5: Verify Fund Application

Funds generally appear in the inmate’s account within minutes of the transaction. If you are using the AdvanceConnect service, the balance will be available for calls to your registered number immediately. If there is a delay exceeding 24 hours, contact Securus customer support with your confirmation number ready.

Comparison of Funding Methods and Operational Parameters

Common Transaction Failures and Remediation Strategies

• Merchant Declination Errors: Some banks flag transactions to correctional facilities as high-risk or unauthorized. Actionable Fix: Contact your bank’s fraud department to authorize the transaction manually. Ensure your card is not restricted from "third-party service providers."
• Invalid Inmate Identification: This occurs when the facility has recently transferred the inmate, rendering the previous ID or location status obsolete. Actionable Fix: Check the facility's official locator tool on their website to verify the inmate's current housing status before re-attempting the deposit.
• Insufficient Funds or Limit Exceeded: Most facilities impose a maximum weekly or monthly deposit limit to comply with institutional policies. Actionable Fix: Verify the spending cap for the specific facility. If you have hit the ceiling, you must wait for the next billing cycle before making further deposits.
• System Latency or Connection Timeouts: High traffic on the Securus servers can cause the page to freeze during payment processing. Actionable Fix: Clear your browser cache and cookies, or switch to a different browser/device. If the payment was deducted but not applied, do not resubmit; contact support first to avoid duplicate charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add money to an inmate's account if I do not have a credit card?

Yes, you can often purchase prepaid cards or money orders if permitted by the specific facility, though this typically involves mailing the funds directly to the correctional center. Always consult the specific facility's handbook, as many locations have moved exclusively to digital, electronic-based payment processing to increase internal security.

Why was my deposit returned or rejected?

Deposits may be rejected if the inmate has been released, transferred to another facility, or if there is a hold placed on the inmate's account due to disciplinary infractions. Contact the facility's business office to confirm the inmate's eligibility to receive funds before attempting to initiate a new deposit.

Does Securus charge a fee for every deposit?

Yes, Securus applies a transaction convenience fee to every deposit, which varies based on the deposit method used and the specific correctional jurisdiction. These fees cover the cost of processing digital payments and maintaining the communication infrastructure within the correctional facility.

How quickly can an inmate use the funds I deposited?

Funds are typically available for use as soon as the transaction is authorized and processed by the system. While most deposits are instantaneous, allow up to 24 hours for institutional administrative syncs to reflect the balance on the inmate’s end.

Ensure your communications remain uninterrupted by maintaining an active balance on your Securus account using the official portal today.