What will phone calls from jail cost?
Phone calls from custody are billed at rates set by the facility's contracted vendor, and they add up quickly. Enter the rate the facility publishes to see what a normal pattern of calls costs over a month and a year.
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How this works
Jails and prisons contract with telephone vendors, and the per-minute rate is set by that contract rather than by a national tariff. Rates vary widely between facilities, and the Federal Communications Commission has acted to cap rates for many types of calls.
Because the rate is facility-specific, this tool asks you for it rather than guessing. You will find the current rate in the facility's handbook, on the vendor's site, or by asking at the booking desk.
Video visits are often priced differently from voice calls and are frequently cheaper, so it is worth asking what options the facility offers before committing to a phone account.
Where the defaults come from
Every rate in this tool is editable. The starting values are the most common figures we could source, and you should replace them with the actual figures that apply to your jurisdiction.
- Inmate calling services rulesFederal Communications Commission
- Jail incarceration dataBureau of Justice Statistics
Frequently asked questions
Why are jail phone calls so expensive?
Facilities contract with telephone vendors, and the revenue-sharing arrangements in those contracts have historically pushed rates up. The FCC has adopted rules capping rates for many call types, but the rates still vary by facility and by call type.
Are video visits cheaper than phone calls?
Often, yes. Video visit pricing is set separately and many facilities price it lower than voice calls, or include a number of free visits. Ask the facility what it offers.
Can I set up a prepaid account?
Most facilities allow a prepaid account funded through the contracted vendor. Set it up directly with the vendor the facility names — never through a third party who approaches you.
Do calls get recorded?
Assume they may be. Most facilities record and monitor calls, and callers are usually notified at the start of the call. Never discuss anything confidential on a jail call.
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