Staying connected with incarcerated loved ones is crucial, and financial support can play a vital role. If you’re looking for a reliable and fast way to send money to inmates, Moneygram Send Money services offer a convenient solution. This guide will walk you through how to use MoneyGram to send funds to inmates in Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) facilities, ensuring your money reaches them quickly and securely.
Sending money to an inmate’s commissary account allows them to purchase essential items, stay in touch with family, and maintain a degree of normalcy during their incarceration. MoneyGram’s ExpressPayment Program is designed to streamline this process, making it easy for you to provide financial support.
Why Choose MoneyGram to Send Money to Inmates?
MoneyGram stands out as a popular and efficient method for sending money to inmates for several reasons:
- Speed: Funds sent via MoneyGram are processed rapidly. Money sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST are typically posted to the inmate’s account within 2-4 hours. Transfers after 9:00 p.m. EST are posted by 7:00 a.m. the next morning.
- Convenience: MoneyGram offers multiple sending options, including online transfers and in-person locations, providing flexibility to send money in a way that suits you best.
- Reliability: MoneyGram is a trusted global money transfer service, ensuring your funds are handled securely and reach the intended recipient.
- Accessibility: With numerous MoneyGram agent locations and a user-friendly online platform, sending money is easily accessible to almost anyone.
- Seven-Day Processing: MoneyGram processes transactions seven days a week, including holidays, ensuring consistent access to funds for inmates.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Money to an Inmate Using MoneyGram
To successfully send money to an inmate using MoneyGram, you’ll need to follow specific steps and have the correct information. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Information You Will Need Before You Start:
Accurate inmate information is crucial for a successful MoneyGram transfer. Incorrect details can lead to rejected transactions or funds being deposited into the wrong account. Double-check all information before sending.
- Inmate’s Eight-Digit Register Number and Last Name: This is the most critical piece of information. You must have the inmate’s eight-digit register number, followed immediately by their last name, with no spaces or dashes. (Example: 12345678DOE). This serves as the Account Number for the MoneyGram transaction.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons (Company Name): When prompted for the company name, use “Federal Bureau of Prisons”.
- Washington, DC (City & State): The designated city and state for the Federal Bureau of Prisons is Washington, DC.
- 7932 (Receive Code): This is the always required Receive Code for sending money to FBOP inmates via MoneyGram.
- Inmate’s Full Committed Name (Beneficiary): Provide the inmate’s full legal name as it is officially recorded.
Option 1: Send Money Online via MoneyGram
Sending money online is a quick and convenient option, allowing you to complete the transaction from your computer or mobile device.
- Visit the MoneyGram Website: Go to the official MoneyGram website: https://www.moneygram.com/mgo/us/en/paybills.
- Enter Receive Code or Payer Name: Enter the Receive Code 7932 or type “Federal Bureau of Prisons” in the payer search field.
- Enter the Amount: Specify the amount of money you wish to send (up to $300).
- Create a Profile (First-time users): If you are a new MoneyGram user, you will need to set up a profile and create an account. This involves providing your personal information and creating login credentials.
- Payment Method: You will need a MasterCard or Visa credit card or debit card to complete the online transaction.
- Enter Inmate Information: Carefully enter all the required inmate details as outlined in the “Information You Will Need” section above, including the Account Number (register number and last name), Company Name, City & State, and Receive Code.
- Review and Confirm: Double-check all the information you’ve entered for accuracy before submitting the transaction.
- Transaction Confirmation: Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Option 2: Send Money at a MoneyGram Location
If you prefer to send money in person, you can visit a MoneyGram agent location. MoneyGram has a vast network of agents, often located in retail stores like pharmacies and supermarkets.
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Find a MoneyGram Agent Location: Use the MoneyGram agent locator to find the nearest location. You can visit www.moneygram.com or call 1-800-926-9400 to find an agent near you.
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Complete the MoneyGram ExpressPayment Blue Form: At the MoneyGram location, request a MoneyGram ExpressPayment Blue Form.
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Fill Out the Form: Carefully complete the form with the following information:
- Pay To: Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Receive Code: 7932
- Account Number: Inmate’s eight-digit register number followed by their last name (e.g., 12345678DOE)
- Beneficiary: Inmate’s full committed name
- Sender Information: Your personal details, including your name and address.
- Payment Amount: The amount you wish to send.
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Pay with Cash: You can pay for the MoneyGram transfer with cash at the agent location.
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Review and Verify: Before finalizing the transaction, review the completed form and receipt to ensure all details are accurate, especially the inmate’s register number and name.
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Receive Confirmation: You will receive a receipt confirming your transaction. Keep this receipt as proof of payment and for tracking purposes if needed.
Other Options for Sending Money to Inmates
While MoneyGram is a popular choice, you can also send money to inmates via other methods:
- Western Union: Similar to MoneyGram, Western Union offers online, mobile app, phone, and in-person options to send money to inmates through their Quick Collect Program.
- United States Postal Service (USPS): You can send money orders, U.S. Government checks, or cashier’s checks via mail to the FBOP’s centralized Lockbox. Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
Important Information and Frequently Asked Questions
- Maximum Amount: While MoneyGram’s online platform might mention a $300 limit, it is best to confirm if there are any specific limits imposed by the FBOP or MoneyGram directly when sending to inmate accounts.
- Fees: MoneyGram charges fees for their services, which vary depending on the sending method and amount. Be sure to check the fee amount before completing your transaction.
- Processing Time: Funds sent via MoneyGram are generally processed very quickly, often within a few hours if sent during business hours (7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST).
- Incorrect Information: Always double-check the inmate’s information. If you provide incorrect details, your transaction may be rejected, or funds could be misapplied, and recovery might be difficult.
- Questions or Concerns: For any questions or concerns regarding a MoneyGram transfer, contact MoneyGram directly. For general inquiries about inmate commissary accounts or deposit procedures, you can consult the Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual or contact BOP staff at 202-307-2712 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
Conclusion
Sending money to inmates via MoneyGram is a fast, secure, and convenient way to provide financial support. By following this guide and ensuring you have the correct inmate information, you can easily use MoneyGram send money services to help your incarcerated loved ones. MoneyGram’s efficient system helps ensure that inmates receive the funds they need in a timely manner, contributing to their well-being and connection with the outside world. Whether you choose to send money online or in person, MoneyGram offers a reliable solution for your needs.
Alt text for image 1 (MoneyGram Agent Locator): Find a MoneyGram Location: Step 1 of 3 displayed on the MoneyGram website, instructing users to enter their city or zip code to locate nearby agents.
Alt text for image 2 (MoneyGram ExpressPayment Blue Form Sample): Sample of MoneyGram ExpressPayment Blue Form, highlighting fields for ‘Pay To: Federal Bureau of Prisons’, ‘Receive Code: 7932’, Inmate Account Number, and Beneficiary Name, used for sending money to inmates.