Securus Inmate Call Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost of phone calls from correctional facilities serviced by Securus Technologies.
*Standard FCC cap is approx $0.14 – $0.21 depending on facility size.
Often $0.00 for interstate calls, but varies by state/jail.
Includes USF, administrative, and state taxes.
Cost Breakdown
Usage Cost (0 min @ $0.00/min):
$0.00
Connection/Surcharge Fees:
$0.00
Taxes & Regulatory Fees:
$0.00
Total Estimated Cost:
$0.00
Understanding Securus Calling Rates
Communication with incarcerated loved ones is vital, but the costs associated with providers like Securus Technologies can be confusing. This Securus Rate Calculator helps friends and families estimate the cost of a phone call based on the facility's specific rates, duration, and applicable taxes.
Note: Rates are determined by the contract between the specific correctional facility (jail or prison) and Securus. They are not uniform across the country.
Key Factors Affecting Your Rate
The cost of a call is rarely just a flat fee. Several variables influence the final amount deducted from your prepaid account or added to your bill:
- Interstate vs. Intrastate: Calls made from a facility in one state to a number in another state (Interstate) are capped by the FCC. Calls made within the same state (Intrastate) are regulated by state utility commissions and may have higher rates.
- Facility Size: FCC regulations often allow smaller jails to charge higher per-minute rates compared to large state prisons due to operational costs.
- Connect Fees: While many jurisdictions have eliminated "first-minute" or "connection" fees, some local jails still charge a flat fee simply to initiate the call, in addition to the per-minute rate.
FCC Rate Caps (As of Latest Rulings)
To prevent predatory pricing, the FCC has established rate caps for interstate (state-to-state) calls. While these are subject to change, current general guidelines are:
- Prisons: Approximately $0.14 per minute.
- Jails (1,000+ inmates): Approximately $0.16 per minute.
- Jails (< 1,000 inmates): Approximately $0.21 per minute.
Always check the specific facility's rate sheet on the Securus website for the most accurate per-minute cost.
Hidden Fees and Taxes
Beyond the per-minute rate, you must account for additional costs:
- Transaction Fees: Securus charges a fee (often $3.00 – $6.00) every time you add money to an AdvanceConnect account online or over the phone.
- Taxes: Federal, state, and local taxes, including the Universal Service Fund (USF), are applied to the total cost of the call. These can add 10% to 25% to the final price.
How to Save Money on Securus Calls
- Local Numbers: If the facility charges less for local calls than long-distance (intrastate), obtaining a local number near the facility that forwards to your cell phone might save money, though this "loophole" is less common with modern unified pricing.
- Fund via Web: Funding accounts via the website usually incurs lower transaction fees than funding via a live operator.
- Consolidate Funding: Since there is a flat fee per transaction to add funds, deposit larger amounts less frequently rather than small amounts frequently.