Send Money to FMC Butner. MoneyGram, Western Union & Money Orders

Method 1: MoneyGram (Fastest)

MoneyGram posts to the inmate’s account within 2 to 4 hours.

How to send:

1. Go to moneygram.com or find a MoneyGram agent location (Walmart, CVS, many grocery stores).
2. Start a transfer. When asked for a Receive Code, enter 7932.
3. For company name, enter Federal Bureau of Prisons.
4. For city and state, enter Washington, DC.
5. For the account number, enter the inmate’s 8-digit register number immediately followed by their last name, no spaces. Example: register number 12345678, last name Williams, account number is 12345678WILLIAMS.
6. Enter the amount and complete the transaction. Keep your receipt.

You can also send MoneyGram online at moneygram.com or through the mobile app using a debit card.

Method 2: Western Union Through send2corrections.com (Fast)

Western Union also typically posts within 2 to 4 hours.

How to send:

1. Go to send2corrections.com. This is the correct site for BOP transfers, not westernunion.com directly.
2. Select Federal Bureau of Prisons as the recipient.
3. For Code City, enter FBOP DC.
4. Enter the same account number format as MoneyGram: 8-digit register number immediately followed by the last name, no spaces.
5. Enter the amount and complete the transfer with a debit or credit card.

Method 3: USPS Money Order (Slowest)

This method works but takes significantly longer. Allow several weeks for processing.

How to send:

1. Purchase a USPS money order at any post office. Personal checks, cashier’s checks from most banks, and cash are not accepted. Only USPS money orders, government checks, and certified or cashier’s checks from credit unions are accepted.
2. Make the money order payable to Federal Bureau of Prisons.
3. Write the inmate’s full name and 8-digit register number on the memo line.
4. Mail to:

Federal Bureau of Prisons [Full Name, Register Number] P.O. Box 474701 Des Moines, IA 50947-0001

Do not mail money orders to P.O. Box 1500 in Butner. That is the facility’s mail address, not the financial processing address. All money goes to Des Moines.

What the Money Covers

Funds in the inmate’s commissary account can be used for:

• Commissary purchases: Food items, hygiene products, clothing, and other authorized goods available through the institution commissary.
• Phone calls: Inmates pay for TRUFONE calls through ViaPath from their commissary account. See the phone calls guide for how the system works.
• CorrLinks messaging: Some message costs may apply depending on the plan the inmate is using.
• Other authorized purchases: Educational materials, stamps, and other items available through BOP programs.

Commissary Spending Limits

The BOP sets a monthly commissary spending limit of $360. During November and December, inmates may spend an additional $50 above the standard limit. Funds above the monthly limit stay in the account but cannot be spent until the next month.

Account Number Format

The account number is the inmate’s 8-digit register number followed directly by their last name, with no spaces, no hyphens, and no other characters. If the last name has a hyphen or space in it, omit it.

Example: Register number 98765432, last name Garcia-Lopez. Account number: 98765432GARCIALOPEZ.

Find the register number with the BOP inmate locator. A wrong register number will delay or misdirect the deposit.

If a Deposit Does Not Post

Wait the expected processing time: 2 to 4 hours for MoneyGram and Western Union, several weeks for USPS money orders. If the deposit has not posted after that time, contact MoneyGram or Western Union directly with your transaction receipt. They can trace the transfer. For USPS money orders, contact the BOP’s Trust Fund Accounting department. You can also call FMC Butner at (919) 575-3900 and ask to speak with the Trust Fund department.

What Happens to Funds If the Inmate Is Transferred

If the inmate is transferred to another BOP facility, the commissary account balance moves with them. You do not need to do anything. The funds stay with the BOP account tied to the register number.

What Happens at Release

When an inmate is released, the BOP returns remaining account funds by check. The check goes to the inmate at their release address. Families cannot request a refund of deposited funds.