How to Send Money to a Detainee or Convict in Prison? (2026 Current Guide)

Individuals who wish to deposit money into the account of a relative in prison in order to meet their basic needs, frequently research how the process of sending money to a prison is carried out In particular, topics such as “sending money to prison via wire transfer”, “depositing money for a detainee”, “prison IBAN numbers”, and “sending money to prison via ATM” rank among the most inquired enforcement law practices in 2026.

It is not possible for convicts and detainees to possess cash in penal execution institutions located in Turkey. Instead, money is deposited through the account or prepaid card system designated by the institution, and the convict or detainee makes canteen purchases and other permitted expenses through this system.

However, not every penal execution institution applies the same practice. In some institutions VakıfBank prepaid card system while being used, some institutions may apply escrow accounts or different methods determined by the institution. Therefore, it is of great importance to learn the current practice of the relevant penal execution institution before depositing money.

In this guide, as of 2026, methods of sending money to the prison,, procedures for depositing money to a detainee,, procedures for sending money to the prison via bank transfer, and how to learn prison IBAN numbers, we explain in detail.

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Can Money Be Sent to a Detainee or Convict in Prison?

Yes.

Money can be sent to detainees and convicts held in penal execution institutions in Turkey within the framework of established procedures. The sent money is not handed directly to the person. The funds are recorded in the name of the convict within the financial system used by the penal execution institution.

This deposited money;

• For canteen purchases,
• For telephone call fees,
• In other expenses authorized by the institution,
• In postal and cargo expenses at certain institutions

can be used.

Therefore, the money sent is an essential need for the inmate to maintain their daily life.

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Methods of Sending Money to Prison (2026)

As of 2026, the methods of sending money applied in penal execution institutions may vary from one institution to another. The most frequently used methods are as follows:

1. Depositing Money into the VakıfBank Prepaid Card System

Today, in many penal execution institutions, inmates are provided with VakıfBank prepaid card is utilized.

In this system, purchases from the prison canteen are not made with cash, but solely through the card.

The money deposited by their relatives is loaded directly onto this card, and the inmate can spend up to the card balance.

Thanks to this practice;

• The circulation of cash is prevented.
• Security is enhanced.
• Expenses are recorded.
• The risk of losing or having money stolen is eliminated.

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2. Sending Money to the Prison's Trust Account

The deposited funds system is still applied in some penal execution institutions.

In this case, the deposited money is entered into the institution's records and kept in the inmate's deposit account.

However, since many institutions have switched to the prepaid card system in recent years, the deposit account practice is gradually decreasing.

Therefore, before sending money, it is essential to find out which system the relevant penal execution institution uses.

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3. Sending Money Through a Bank

Some institutions accept money through specific bank accounts.

For this purpose;

• the account number provided by the relevant institution,
• description details,
• inmate number,
• TR ID information

must be entered completely.

In case of incorrect information entered, the funds may not be transferred to the account or a refund process may occur.

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Things to Know Before Depositing Money to a Detainee

The most common mistake made by the person depositing money is transacting with outdated information found on the internet.

However, the practices of penal execution institutions may change over time.

Therefore, the following information must be verified before depositing money:

• Which bank is being used?
• Is there a prepaid card system?
• Is an IBAN used?
• Can it be deposited via ATM’s?
• Can internet banking be used?
• Is there a daily or monthly limit?

This information can be obtained from the relevant penal execution institution or its official website.

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How to Send Money to Prison via ATM?

Depositing money via ATM is quite easy in penal execution institutions that use the VakıfBank card system.

The general transaction procedure is as follows:

1. At the VakıfBank ATM Cardless Transactions menu is accessed.
2. Deposit Money option is selected.
3. Deposit Money to Prepaid Card menu opens.
4. The Turkish ID number of the depositor is entered.
5. The telephone number is entered into the system.
6. The inmate's card number or inmate number is entered.
7. The name information displayed on the screen is verified.
8. The money to be deposited is inserted into the ATM’s deposit slot.
9. The receipt must be kept after the transaction is completed.

Since the technical procedures of each institution may vary, minor differences may be observed on the ATM screens.

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Can Cash Be Handed Over Directly to the Penitentiary Institution?

No.

In the majority of penal execution institutions, handing cash directly to an inmate or detainee during visits is not permitted.

Handing over money to the authorized personnel during a visit is also not accepted in most institutions.

The purpose of this practice is;

• to ensure institutional security,
• to prevent unregistered money circulation,
• to record all financial transactions.

For this reason, money transfers must be made exclusively through the methods designated by the institution.

How to Send Money to Prison via Bank Transfer? (2026)

On behalf of a detainee or convicted inmate in a penitentiary institution, whether money can be sent via bank transfer or EFT, is among the most frequently asked questions. However, there is no single answer to this question because not all penitentiary institutions in Turkey use the same deposit system.

While in some penitentiary institutions only the prepaid card deposit system via VakıfBank ATMs is applied, in other institutions bank transfer or EFT to the IBAN account designated in the institution's name can be made. Therefore, before sending money, the current practice of the relevant penitentiary institution must be verified.

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Can Money Be Sent to Prison via Bank Transfer?

Yes, however this is not applicable to every correctional facility.

While some penal execution institutions accept wire transfers and EFTs to bank accounts on behalf of convicts or detainees, other institutions only allow top-ups to prepaid cards via VakıfBank ATMs . In fact, while some institutions do not accept funds via IBAN, others separate telephone calling card accounts from inmate trust accounts.

Therefore, rather than relying on outdated information found on the internet, the current announcements of the relevant penal execution institution must be taken as a basis.

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How to Learn Prison IBAN Numbers?

One of the most frequently searched terms on the internet is **”Prison IBAN numbers”**.

However, there is no single common IBAN list used for all penal execution institutions in Turkey.

Each penal execution institution has;

• a different bank account,
• a different IBAN number,
• may feature different description formats.

can occur.

Therefore, prison IBAN information can be obtained from the following sources:

• The official website of the relevant penal execution institution,
• The administration of the penal execution institution,
• The deposit account unit of the institution,
• Account details transmitted to family members by the convict or detainee.

It is not recommended to send money based on unverified IBAN lists found on the internet.

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What Should Be Written in the Description Section When Sending Money via IBAN?

If wire transfers to the penal execution institution bank account are permitted, it is of utmost importance to complete the description section fully.

Generally, the following information is required:

• Full name of the convict or detainee
• Father's name (if requested)
• Turkish ID number or foreign ID number
• Other information requested by the institution

In the event that the information is filled out incompletely, the remitted funds may not be transferred to the relevant person and may be refunded after deducting bank charges.

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What is the VakıfBank Prepaid Card System?

In recent years, by the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses in many penal execution institutions VakıfBank prepaid card system it has begun to be implemented. In this system, a prepaid card is defined in the name of each convict or detainee, and their relatives can deposit funds onto this card. The loaded balance is used for commissary purchases and other payments permitted by the institution.

Thanks to this system:

• Cash circulation is reduced.
• Expenditures are recorded electronically.
• The risk of loss or theft of money is minimized.
• Relatives can send money more securely.

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Depositing Money to an Inmate via VakıfBank ATM’s

Money deposit transactions in penal execution institutions utilizing the prepaid card system are generally carried out through the following steps:

1. At the VakıfBank ATM Cardless Transactions enter the menu.

2. Cash Deposit Transactions select the option.

3. Prepaid Card Money Deposit open the menu.

4. Enter the Turkish ID number of the person depositing the money.

5. Enter the mobile phone number into the system.

6. Proceed using one of the following information:

• Card number,
• Convict number,
• Turkish ID number (depending on the institution's practice).

7. Verify the name information displayed on the screen.

8. Insert the cash into the ATM’s deposit slot.

9. Be sure to keep the receipt.

Since each institution's technical infrastructure may vary, menu names may show minor differences.

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Can Money Be Sent to Penitentiary Institutions via PTT?

The answer to this question also depends on the practice of the penal execution institution.

In many penal execution institutions that have transitioned to the prepaid card system money transfers via PTT are not accepted. It is required that deposits be made exclusively via VakıfBank ATMs or through banking channels designated by the institution.

Therefore, before conducting a transaction through PTT, the current practice of the relevant institution must be checked.

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Can Money Be Sent via Internet Banking?

Whether internet banking can be used also varies depending on the penal institution's system.

For example, in institutions that accept money via IBAN, EFT or wire transfers can be made using internet banking. Conversely, in institutions that only use a prepaid card system, it may be necessary to load funds onto the card via a VakıfBank ATM instead of internet banking.

Therefore, it is important to review the announcements on the relevant penal institution's website or obtain information from the institution prior to the transaction.

How Much Money Can Be Deposited into Prison?

One of the most frequently asked questions when depositing money into penal institutions is the amount of money that can be deposited in a single transaction or on a monthly basis.

The most important point to know in this regard is that there is no single monetary limit applicable to all penal institutions in Turkey. The amount that can be deposited depends on;

• the practices of the penal institution,
• the payment system used,
• ATM transaction limits,
• may vary depending on the daily transaction limits established by the bank,
• Ministry of Justice or General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses to the regulations that may be introduced by

may vary accordingly.

Particularly for cash deposit transactions made via VakıfBank ATMs, the bank's daily cash deposit limits must also be taken into consideration.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to inquire about the current limits from the relevant penal execution institution or the bank before sending large amounts of money.

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When is the Sent Money Credited to the Inmate's Account?

The timeframe for the funds to be credited to the account also varies depending on the method used.

Generally;

• Card deposits made via ATMs are reflected in the system within a short time.
• Transactions made via bank transfer or EFT may take longer depending on the bank's operating hours and the institution's accounting procedures.
• Delays may occur in transactions made on official holidays and weekends.

In the event that the funds are not credited to the account for a prolonged period, it is recommended to contact the relevant bank or the penal institution's accounting unit along with the transaction receipt.

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Most Common Mistakes When Sending Money to Prison

In practice, many individuals may experience grievances due to minor errors. Therefore, the following matters must be taken into consideration.

1. Sending Money to the Wrong Prison

One of the most frequently encountered mistakes is sending money to the wrong penal institution account by using outdated information.

It must be kept in mind that the inmate may have been transferred.

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2. Entering Incorrect Convict Information

In institutions where funds are sent via IBAN;

• first name,
• last name,
• Turkish ID number,
• inmate identification number

entering such information incompletely or incorrectly may cause delays in the transaction.

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3. Using Outdated IBAN Information

Some IBAN lists available on the internet were published years ago.

Continuing to use outdated information despite a change in the bank account may result in the funds being sent to the wrong account or refunded.

Therefore Prior to any transaction, the current information of the relevant penal institution must be checked.

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4. Failing to Keep the Receipt

After the funds are deposited, the ATM receipt or bank transfer receipt must be retained.

In the event of potential technical malfunctions, the transaction receipt serves as the primary evidence.

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Attempting to Send Money Using Methods Other Than Those Specified by the Institution

Some individuals attempt to send funds via PTT, different bank accounts, or third parties.

However, if the relevant penal institution only accepts a specific method, funds sent through different channels may not be processed.

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Matters to Consider When Sending Funds to the Penitentiary Institution

To ensure a smooth transaction, it is advisable to pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Before sending funds, verify the specific penal institution where the inmate is detained.
• Learn the institution's current method for depositing funds.
• If possible, review the announcements on the institution's official website.
• Retain the ATM or bank transfer receipt.
• Enter the information completely and accurately.
• Do not trust IBAN information found on suspicious websites.
• When transferring funds, use only account details provided in official sources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can money be sent to a detainee in prison via internet banking?

If the relevant penal institution accepts funds via IBAN, wire transfers or EFT can be made via internet banking. However, different methods may apply in institutions that use prepaid card systems only.

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Can money be sent to a prison via PTT (Turkish Post)?

Although possible in some institutions, this method is no longer used in many penal institutions. Current practice must be verified with the relevant institution.

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Can cash be used in prison?

No. Today, convicted individuals and detainees cannot keep cash in many penal institutions. Expenses are managed through a prepaid card or institutional account.

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How to learn the prison IBAN number?

This can be learned from the official website of the relevant penal institution, the institution administration, or the accounting department.

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What happens if I accidentally send money to a prison?

Refunds for money sent to the wrong account may be possible. However, this requires contacting the bank and the relevant penal institution. The refund process may vary depending on the transfer method.

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Can the money sent to the prison only be used in the canteen?

Although it varies depending on the institution's policies, the money sent is generally used for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other expenses permitted by the institution.

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Conclusion

The process of sending money to a detainee or convicted individual in prison is carried out in accordance with the procedures and principles determined by the relevant penal institution. Today, in many institutions, VakıfBank prepaid card system is utilized, while in some institutions Bank transfer or EFT via IBAN method is applied.

Therefore, it is of great importance to learn the current practice of the relevant institution before depositing money, to use accurate account information, and to retain the transaction receipt. Relying on official announcements of penal execution institutions rather than outdated or unverified information available on the internet will prevent potential grievances.

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Legal Evaluation

Since money acceptance procedures in penal execution institutions may change over time, practices may vary from one institution to another. Therefore, especially for high-amount money transfers or in case of issues encountered during the transaction, it is important to contact the relevant penal execution institution directly.

In the event of an administrative dispute during the money transfer process, failure to credit the funds to the account, or the emergence of any other legal issue, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, seeking legal support from a lawyer specializing in execution law may contribute to the prevention of loss of rights.

Atty. Batın YILMAZ – Attorney at Law, Istanbul Bar Association