Free · Official sources only
California prison money & phone fees, compared
What it costs to send money and take calls from CDCR, using only fees CDCR publishes, each with its source and date. Where a fee isn't published, we say so; we never guess. Call rate: Free.
Sending money
Options CDCR names: ConnectNetwork (DOC-named) (opens in new tab), JPay (DOC-named) (opens in new tab), Access Corrections (DOC-named) (opens in new tab)
Official fees and rates
- If the person owes restitution, CDCR deducts up to 50% of deposits plus a 10% fee.
Other official notes
- CDCR lists three electronic vendors (GTL/ConnectNetwork, JPay, Access Corrections), plus a no-fee lock box and mailing a check or money order to the institution.
Source: official CDCR page (opens in new tab) · checked
Phone calls, video and messages
Official fees and rates
- Calls from California state prisons have been free since Jan. 1, 2023. The incarcerated person places the call.
Source: official CDCR page (opens in new tab) · checked
Ways to keep costs down
- If CDCR lists a free option (often a mailed money order), it says so above.
- Fees often step up with the amount; a vendor's checkout screen shows the exact fee before you pay.
- Compare states: all states side by side.
OutSooner has no sponsors or affiliate links; vendors are named only because CDCR names them. Not financial or legal advice.
Other states · California mail rules · Visit-day checklist · California prisons and family guide
Sources: How we source and verify · Last verified: · Corrections