Sending commissary funds to a federal inmate: BOP National Lockbox address, Western Union, MoneyGram, and what not to do.
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All funds sent to a federal inmate at FCI El Reno must be routed through the BOP National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa. Do NOT send funds to the El Reno facility address. Accepted methods include Western Union, MoneyGram, or a USPS money order / cashier’s check. Review the BOP guidelines before sending.
Western Union (Quick Collect)
Send to the BOP National Lockbox. Funds typically post fastest of the three options.
MoneyGram (ExpressPayment)
Send to the BOP National Lockbox using the inmate's name and BOP register number.
USPS money order or cashier's check
Mail directly to the BOP National Lockbox, Des Moines, IA. No cash or personal checks.
$300
Max daily electronic transmission
Des Moines, IA
BOP National Lockbox address
0
Funds accepted at the facility itself
Send mail-for-funds payments to:
[Inmate Name and Registration Number] BOP National Lockbox P.O. Drawer 288 Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
All funds are processed centrally and then applied to the inmate’s commissary account.
Western Union
Use Western Union’s Quick Collect Program. Payments must be made under the receiver name “Federal Bureau of Prisons” with the appropriate receive code.
MoneyGram
Use MoneyGram’s ExpressPayment Program. Payments must be made under the receiver name “Federal Bureau of Prisons” with the receive code 7932.
A credit/debit card is required to complete a payment online or through the mobile app. You can also pay with cash or a payment card at a Western Union or MoneyGram agent location.
You can send a USPS money order or cashier’s check from a bank. Include a remittance form with the inmate’s name and BOP register number. Personal checks, cash, gift cards, or foreign currency are not accepted.
Western Union and MoneyGram electronic payments are capped at $300 per day per inmate.
FCI El Reno maintains an institutional commissary. Once funds clear, they are available to the inmate for commissary purchases (food, drinks, clothing, electronics). Commissary shopping hours are twice weekly, Mondays through Thursdays at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
If a payment is delayed or rejected, first confirm that the inmate’s BOP register number and name were spelled correctly. If the problem persists, contact the BOP Finance Center or refile the payment with a fresh money order or transaction.
4 of 4 questions
All funds must be sent to the BOP National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa. Use Western Union, MoneyGram, or a USPS money order / cashier's check. Do NOT send money to the facility address.
Send MoneyElectronic payments through Western Union or MoneyGram typically post within 24 to 48 hours. Mail payments may take several additional days to clear.
Send MoneyNo. Cash, gift cards, personal checks, and foreign currency are not accepted. Use BOP-approved methods only.
Send MoneyWestern Union and MoneyGram electronic transfers are capped at $300 per day. Commissary spending limits at FCI El Reno are approximately $360 per month (capped at $180 every two weeks).
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified June 23, 2026.