How Much Does It Cost To Accept A Collect Call From Jail On A Cell Phone?

January 1, 2024

The cost to accept a collect call from jail on a cell phone can vary significantly based on several factors, including the facility, the service provider, and whether the call is local, long-distance, or international.

Here’s an overview of what to expect…

Factors Affecting the Cost

Service Providern – Correctional facilities contract with various phone service providers like Global Tel Link (GTL), Securus Technologies, ICSolutions, etc. Each provider has its own pricing structure.
Call Distance
- Local Calls – Generally cheaper.
- Long-Distance Calls – More expensive.
- International Calls – The most expensive.
Facility Type – Rates can differ between local jails, state prisons, and federal prisons.

Typical Costs

Average Costs in the U.S.

Local Calls – Around $0.21 to $0.25 per minute.
Long-Distance Calls (within the U.S.) – Approximately $0.15 to $0.21 per minute.
International Calls – Can range from $0.75 to $3.00 per minute.

Example Costs by Provider

Global Tel Link (GTL)
- Local – ~$0.21 per minute.
- Long-Distance – ~$0.25 per minute.
- International – Rates vary significantly; check specific country rates.
Securus Technologies
- Local – ~$0.18 per minute.
- Long-Distance – ~$0.21 per minute.
- International – ~$0.50 – $1.00 per minute, depending on the country.
ICSolutions
- Local – ~$0.21 per minute.
- Long-Distance – ~$0.25 per minute.
- International – Varies by country; typically higher than domestic rates.

Additional Fees

Setup Fees – Some providers charge a fee to set up an account or activate a phone line for receiving calls.
Transaction Fees – Adding funds to your prepaid account might incur transaction fees.
Monthly Maintenance Fees – Some providers charge a monthly fee for maintaining the account.

Cost Management Tips

Prepaid Accounts – Setting up a prepaid account can often be cheaper than accepting collect calls. You can deposit funds in advance and manage the costs more effectively.
Inmate Debit Calls – If possible, have the inmate use their commissary funds for debit calls, which can be less expensive than collect calls.
Promotions and Discounts – Check if the service provider offers any promotions or discounts for frequent users.
Monitor Call Duration – Keep track of call lengths to avoid unexpectedly high bills. Calls are typically limited in duration (e.g., 15-30 minutes).

The cost to accept a collect call from jail on a cell phone can range from around $0.15 to $3.00 per minute, depending on whether the call is local, long-distance, or international, and the service provider used by the correctional facility. Setting up a prepaid account and monitoring call durations can help manage and reduce costs. Always check with the specific service provider and facility for the most accurate and current pricing information.