Lyon County Jail Sending Money

Lyon County Jail

Address:
410 South Boone Street
Rock Rapids, IA 51246

Phone:

712-472-8300

Lyon County Jail uses Inmate Canteen for Inmate Money & Commissary

Lyon County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for both Inmate Money Deposits and for Online Commissary Purchases.

NOTE: Lyon County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.


For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Making a Deposit into an inmate's commissary account:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to deposit the funds to.
  • Select the "Deposit Funds to an Inmate" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to deposit funds to the inmates account.

    DEPOSIT OPTIONS:
    Deposit to inmate account: 
    These deposits go directly to the inmate's account and can be used for canteen, emailing, texting, phone time, and video visitation. You will not have access to these funds as they will be in the inmate's jail account.
    Deposit to your communications account:
    These deposits go to your communication account so you can email, text, or video visit the inmate. The inmate cannot use or see these funds. You can use these funds to pay for inmate's replies if your main goal is to text, email, or video visit the inmate.
    Canteen Order: These deposits are a personalized order created by you on the app or website. You pick the items to send to the inmate and the inmate will receive them on their next canteen delivery day. The inmate will have access to edit the order before it is delivered. All refunds for canteen orders go to the inmate’s account.
    Phone card Purchases: Phone card purchases always go to the inmates account. Once purchased, the inmate will receive a PHONE PIN to their account that they can use to make calls. You cannot use this phone time as it is in the inmates account. If Lyon County Jail suspends offering phone cards, this option will not be available.

Costs & Fees for Inmate Canteen Services


Inmate Canteen Pricing

Emails: $.25/email.
Texts:   $.13/per 160 characters.
Video Visitation: $.49/minute.
There is an $8.95 credit card processing fee for all deposits.
**Prices are subject to change.

Inmate Canteen also runs promotions where they unlimited texting and emails for a week for as low as approximnately $10.00.

How do I send an inmate money?

Lyon County Jail has its own methods for receiving money for inmates, and that information can be found above or by calling 712-472-8300 and asking, however all jails and prisons all receive money for an inmate’s trust and commissary account, as well as an account used for communications, pretty much the same way.

1.    Mailing an inmate a money order or cashier’s check from a trusted source such as the Post Office, a local bank, or Western Union. The Money order should be be made out to either the inmate or the facility, with the inmate’s name and ID# on the memo line of the check.  

When mailing a money order or cashier’s check, send it an envelope by itself.  Never send it with a letter or photos for your inmate.

Never send personal checks or cash either.

2.    Deposit cash or use a debit or credit card to send an inmate money using an ATM machine that is usually located in the lobby or visitation area of the facility.

3.    Some jails have a reception desk or booth that is open during certain hours that they will list on their website. They will accept cash, money orders or cashier checks. Other facilities that don’t have a human manning the desk will have mail drop where you can leave a money order or check. No cash can be left in these boxes.

4.    There are multiple companies that jails and prisons contract with which accept inmate deposits online, by mail or over the phone, or even in ATM machines you can find in check cashing stores and retail outlets across the country. 

If one of these companies (listed in the next question) works with Lyon County Jail, this information will be outlined above.

Who are the companies that jails use to send money to inmates?

There are many companies competing for the accounts of jail and prison inmates. Their intention is to alleviate the staffing and financial responsibility of handling inmate’s accounts. They usually charge a fee equal to 3-5% of the total deposit.

The companies, in alphabetical order, are:

Access Corrections
AllPaid (aka GovPayNet)
Care A Cell
Cash Bond Online
CIDNET
City Tele Coin
CommissaryDeposit.com
Correct Solutions Group
Correctpay
Ctel
Edevo
Express Account
gettingout
GTL
Inmate Canteen
InmateSales
JailATM
Jail Pack Store (McDaniel Supply)
Jailpayments.com
Jpay
NCIC
JailCanteen (Oasis)
Paytel
Pigeonly
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
Tennessee Business Enterprise
Tiger
Touchpay

How do I send an inmate money by mail?

To send an inmate money by mail you first have to have the money converted to a money order, preferably from the US Post Office, or a Cashier’s Check. Never send cash, and never send a personal check.
To find the address for sending money to an inmate, call the jail at 712-472-8300.

Can I send an inmate money online?

Almost every facility contracts with a company that helps friends and families of inmates send them money. The list can be found above.
To find out who Lyon County Jail contracts with for inmate deposits, call them at 712-472-8300.

How do I send money to someone in the United States Bureau of Prisons?

There are several ways to send money to an inmate into United States Bureau of Prisons.

There are three ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Federal Bureau of Prisons:

  • Moneygram
  • Western Union Online Deposits
  • United States Postal Service - Mailing a Payment

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate is incarcerated under, and their Inmate ID# (aka Register Number)

If you can't find the inmate and Register Number online, use the online contact form to request help.



1.  Lyon County Jail and Moneygram

You can send an inmate funds electronically using MoneyGram's ExpressPayment Program.

You can send money either online or at a Moneygram location.

 - Funds are received and processed seven days per week, including holidays.
 - Funds sent between 7:00AM - 9:00PM EST are posted within 2 to 4 hours.
 - Funds sent after 9:00PM EST are posted at 7:00AM EST the following morning.

 - If you have any questions you may contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST.

NOTE:  Do not send money until the inmate has actually arrived to the facility he has been assigned.  At that point you can locate their location online.


Sending a Moneygram online

Please visit https://www.moneygram.com/mgo/us/en/paybills, and enter the receive code 7932 or Federal Bureau of Prisons

First time users will have to set up a profile and account.

A MasterCard or Visa credit card is required.

The maximum you can send is $300 at a time.


Sending a Moneygram from a Location

Locate the nearest agent by calling 800-926-9400 or finding a location online.

You'll need to complete a MoneyGram ExpressPayment Blue Form.

You can pay with cash or credit/debit Mastercard or Visa.


 

2.  Lyon County Jail and Western Union.

 - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
 
NOTE:  Do not send money until the inmate has actually arrived to the facility he has been assigned.  At that point you can locate their location online.

Sending a Western Union payment online

You need to know these codes. 
Codes:
Code City: FBOP, DC
State: DC
Senders Account #: Inmate's eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate's last name (example: 12345678DOE)
Attention: Inmate's full committed name

  • Type in and select FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISON, then follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-325-6000.

 

Sending a Western Union payment from a location

Western Union Facilities
Deposit funds in-person at Western Union

Codes:
Code City: FBOP, DC
State: DC
Senders Account #: Inmate's eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate's last name (example: 12345678DOE)
Attention: Inmate's full committed name

If you have any questions you may contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST.



3.  Lyon County Jail and Mailing a Payment

 - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
 
NOTE:  Do not send money until the inmate has actually arrived to the facility he has been assigned.  At that point you can locate their location online.



When sending an inmate money by mail, the Lyon County Jail will only accept:

  • US Postal Money Orders

**Important Notes**

 - Obtain a money order and include both the inmate's:
 - Full committed name AND complete eight-digit register number on the money order.

 - Non-postal money orders and non-government checks will be placed on a 15-day hold.
 - If you have any questions you may contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST.

Make sure your full name and return address is on the envelope.

Address the Money Order to:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Insert Valid Committed Inmate Name
Insert Inmate Eight-Digit Register Number
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

What are inmate funds?

Inmate funds are the cash that an inmate has on themselves when they are booked into jail, plus the money that friends and family add while they are incarcerated.  Inmate funds are also known as ‘inmate trust account’, ‘inmate commissary account’, and ‘inmate money account’.

How much money can an inmate have?

Typically, most jails allow an innate spend no more than $300-400 per month on snacks and hygiene products, with another $300 spent on phone calls and other communication services. Some jails limit the amount an inmate can spend on snacks to as low as $100 per month, but that is rare.

To find out how much the Lyon County Jail allows, call the jail at 712-472-8300.

How much money can I send an inmate at one time?

Most jails limit the amount that you can send an inmate to $200 at one time. If a money order exceeds $50.00 some jails will hold the money for up to 30 days before releasing it. The quickest way to get money on an inmate’s account is to deposit it either online or over the phone with the outside vendor the jail works with.

Is it illegal for an inmate to have cash?

It is not illegal for an inmate to have cash, but it is considered contraband and will be confiscated by the Lyon County Jail if it is discovered. There could be additional punishment such as phone or visitation limited.  It is unlikely that criminal charges will be levied though.

If an inmate can’t have cash in jail or prison, how do they purchase contraband or gamble?

Inmates are very creative in coming up with alternatives to cash for buying goods and services and taking part in gambling and other recreational activities.

•    Some jails use stamps as a form of currency. 
•    Some use a “unit”, which is basically a candy bar, bag of chips or foil package of tuna.
•    Some buy goods and services for a “tray”, which is basically a meal, especially one that contains food that may be in demand, such as “chicken on the bone”.
•    Some will trade a service such as legal research, haircutting, jail artwork to send to a loved one.
•    Some will agree to clean another’s cell in exchange for a candy bar or some coffee.

Basically, everything and anything can be used for trade instead of cash, but one thing is for certain, in jail, you must pay your debt. If you agree to do something when it comes to owing “money”, and you don’t pay, you may end up with a broken jaw when you least expect it.

What are things prisoners use or trade in lieu of cash?

Inmates in jail and prisoners in prisons, in lieu of cash, trade food, meals, haircuts, cell cleaning, legal research, artwork and communication credits (phone, email, etc.).

What kind of food can an inmate purchase on Commissary?

Commissaries carry every type of food imaginable:

•    Cookies
•    Pastries
•    Candy
•    Tuna and mackerel
•    Coffee
•    Tea
•    Soft drinks
•    Energy drinks
•    Pizza
•    Hamburgers
•    Chicken fingers
•    Spices

Some jails have larger selections than others, and some contract with companies that ship in gift packages of food, and even fast food that can be reheated. 

Prisons in Canada even have small fast-food outlets that operate within the jail. 

What items can inmates purchase in jail and prison? 

Besides the food products mentioned above, inmates can purchase:

•    hygiene products like soaps, shampoos and lotions, 
•    clothing like sweats, t-shirts, hoodies and sneakers,
•    stationary supplies
•    religious garments
•    books
•    televisions, radios and headphones
•    movie and television programming
•    educational courses

How to Purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate at Lyon County Jail

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Lyon County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

Inmate Care Packages

Lyon County Jail may have contracted with a third party Commissary care package company that ships predetermined Care Packages of candy and snacks.

These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate. Call 712-472-8300 to confirm if you don't see the information on this page.

What is the maximum you can spend on Commissary Items

There are fees for each deposit amount but you may make as many deposits as you wish. Keep in mind that no matter how much you deposit, the inmate is restricted by spending limits and the number of items possessed at any one time.
Call Lyon County Jail at 712-472-8300 to learn the Inmate Account deposit limits and other rules regarding depositing money on an inmate's books.

What can you purchase on Inmate Canteen

Inmate Canteen has hundreds of items that you can purchase online and have sent directly to your inmate. This includes all types of candy, chips, food, clothing, stationary and personal hygeine products. NOTE: Lyon County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

Who can purchase Commissary for an inmate

Anybody can contribute to an inmate's books or commissary fund as long as there isn't a no-contact order in place.
Because of the ability for family members and friends to deposit money online or purchase commissary at Inmate Canteen using a credit or debit card, jail inmates can now receive funds from anywhere in the world. NOTE: Lyon County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

WHY DOES AN INMATE NEED MONEY IN THEIR ACCOUNT AT THE Lyon County Jail?

Since inmates are not allowed to possess cash money while in custody in the Lyon County Jail, the jail maintains a 'bank account' for the inmate to purchase products and services from their commissary (canteen) store.

Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase items such as personal hygiene products, snacks and stationery supplies from the jail store.

Inmates can use money from their account to purchase phone time credits or prepaid phone cards in order to make outside phone calls to friends and family members.

Many jails also allow an inmate to bail himself out of jail if he has the funds in his account. The bail amount is typically 10-15% of the bond amount set by the court.

Inmate accounts are also used to pay the co-payment for medication and visits to the jail's medical clinic should they become ill.

Medical Copays, Jail Fees and other Inmate Expenses

Many jails debit (charge) an inmate's commissary accounts for medical visits, any medications including over-the-counter pain reliever, jail stay fees, restitution, etc.

Taking this into consideration when deciding how much to deposit will ensure the inmate gets the amount you wanted him to have after things are deducted.

A quick call to the Lyon County Jail at 712-472-8300 will let you know how much is deducted from the books for each fee related to medical issues or other jail expenses.

Important Tips

Sometimes an inmate's commissary money is used to purchase items to pay gambling debts or purchase prescription medicine from another inmate. If your inmate is spending more than $10.00 a day on commissary items, you are most likely paying for him or her to gamble or buy drugs.

Some inmates, specifically those who are targeted for being weak or are in jail for rape or child molestation, are forced to relinquish their commissary to avoid regular beatings from other inmates.

If you think your inmate is being targeted for violence or having their commissary taken to avoid beatings, contact the Lyon County Jail and ask to investigate. If an inmate is being targeted, most jails will intervene and have the victim placed in protective custody, away from the general population.

Put your financial needs first and the inmate's second. Don't forget, the inmate is getting three free 2,000 calorie meals a day. The food may not be of the highest quality, but the commissary food is generally much less nutritious.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Lyon County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Lyon County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Iowa, then Lyon County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.
  • NOTE: Lyon County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Lyon County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Lyon County.


 

How Do You Schedule and Visit an Inmate in Lyon County Jail?

To set up an account to schedule and visit your Lyon County inmate, follow these instructions:

  • Register and set up a new account with RELIANCE, or log in if you already have an account.
  • Select Lyon County Jail, then select your inmate who you will be visiting.
  • Your identity will have to investigated and approved by the Lyon County staff.
  • Once approved, you can schedule a visit.

For all the information you need in order to schedule and visit your Lyon County inmate, or to assist them in visiting with others, including instructions, fees, cost of each visit, requirements for free visits, tablet rentals that can be used for visits, payment methods and times that your inmate can have a visit, check out our Visit Inmate Page.
NOTE: All of your visits with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.


 

How Do Inmates in Lyon County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To set up your Lyon County inmate to make to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Lyon County inmate, or to assist them in making calls to others, including instructions, fees, cost of calls, payment methods and times that your inmate can use the phone, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.


 

How Do Inmates in Lyon County Jail Send and Receive Texts and Emails?

To set up your Lyon County inmate to make to send and receive texts and emails to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to send and receive texts and emails from your Lyon County inmate, or to assist them in sending and receiving secure messages to and from others, including instructions, fees, cost of each message, tablet rentals, payment methods and times that your inmate can send messages, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when communicating sensitive information about their pending case.