Reviewed on: April 02,2026
Inmate Phone Calls

Does InmateAid Replace the Current Prison Phone Service?

Once I open an account with inmate Aid and pay them do I still have to pay another charge to receive phone calls from the prison

Yes you do.
Ask The Inmate
Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer May 29,2016 · Inmate Phone Calls
1

Yes you do. The reason that this works in your favor is the amount you actually spend in a given month. If your calls are costing $5-8 each, we can get a number that will bring the price to about $1.65. The difference in the two prices is why people use InmateAid, if you speak often to your inmate the savings will justify the $19.95/month fee. Here's an example: You pay the carrier $6.00 per call for every day in a month (30 days), the out-of-pocket cost to you is $180.00. If your call is through one of our land lines, the cost to speak to your inmate is $1.65 x 30 or $49.50 (plus the $19.95 fee to InmateAid). Without us, the calls are $180.00, with us the cost of the calls are $69.45 a difference of $110.65 in savings. Our typical user is speaking frequently, if you only talk once a week, this service is not for you. If you would like an honest estimate of whether this service would work for you, please email us (aid@inmateaid.com) your inmate's facility name and your telephone number - we will let you know the facts before you sign up.

Accepted Answer Date Created: May 29,2016
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.