City Tele Coin: Your Guide to Inmate Communication Services
Quick Summary
- Connect with incarcerated family easily
- Manage funds for calls and commissary
- Access services via website or app
- Understand communication guidelines
- Support available for account help
City Tele Coin provides communication services designed to help families stay in touch with incarcerated loved ones in county jails and local detention centers. This platform offers various tools to facilitate connections, including phone calls, video visits, and messaging. It simplifies the process of managing communication accounts and ensuring funds are available for inmates. Serving primarily facilities in the Southern and Southeastern United States, City Tele Coin has been a family-owned and operated provider since 1986. Their services aim to bridge the distance between inmates and their families through a digital portal and dedicated support systems. Whether you need to add money for phone calls or send messages, the City Tele Coin system, accessible via its official website or mobile app, streamlines these essential interactions. This guide will walk you through setting up and managing your account to maintain vital family connections.
Getting Started with Your City Tele Coin Connection
- A valid phone number to link to your DirectPay account.
- An internet-connected device (computer or smartphone) to access the website or download the mobile app.
- Identification of the specific correctional facility where your loved one is housed to ensure City Tele Coin provides services there.
- A debit card, credit card, or money order for adding funds to your account.
Accessing Your Communication Account
- Navigate to the official City Tele Coin website at citytelecoin.com or open the CityTeleCoin mobile application on your device.
- Locate the login section, typically found on the homepage or after opening the app.
- Enter your registered email address and your secure password into the designated fields.
- Click the Login or Sign In button to access your personal user dashboard.
Exploring Your Connection Tools
- Prepaid Calling Accounts (DirectPay): Establish a prepaid account linked to your phone number, allowing incarcerated individuals to call you directly from facility phones.
- Fund Management: Easily add money to distinct accounts, including phone accounts for calls, commissary accounts for inmate store purchases, and media accounts for tablet usage.
- Mobile Application Access: Utilize the free CityTeleCoin app (available on iOS and Android) for convenient management of services.
- Video Visitation: Schedule and receive video visits directly through the CityTeleCoin app at participating facilities equipped with CTC video kiosks or tablets.
- Electronic Messaging: Send and receive digital messages through the CityTeleCoin app at contracted facilities, although messages are reviewed by staff before delivery.
- Photo Sharing: Share photos with incarcerated loved ones via the mobile application where available.
- Account History: View a complete history of your account transactions and communications.
- Calling Card Purchases: Purchase calling cards online or at lobby kiosks, then provide the PIN to the inmate for use.
Resolving Access Concerns
⚠️ Cannot Access Account / Forgot Password
Cause: You may have forgotten your password or encountered a login error.
Solution: We know being locked out is stressful. If you cannot log in, tap the Forgot Password link on the login screen of the website or app. Follow the instructions to reset your password, which typically involves receiving an email with a reset link. If you continue to experience issues, contact CTC customer service at 318-756-1114 for assistance.
⚠️ Inmate Cannot Make Calls / Insufficient Funds
Cause: Your DirectPay account balance might be too low, or funds were directed to the wrong account type.
Solution: First, verify your account balance by logging into your City Tele Coin account. Ensure that funds were added to the phone account specifically, not the commissary or media account, as these are separate. If the balance is low, add more funds. You will be notified if your balance is insufficient when an inmate attempts to call.
⚠️ Dropped Calls or Video Issues
Cause: Technical glitches can sometimes interrupt communication services.
Solution: If you experience dropped calls and believe it's due to City Tele Coin equipment, you can request a review for a refund. However, dropped calls on cell phones are generally not eligible for credit. For video issues, report them through a recorded conversation with a customer service representative by calling 318-746-1114 for troubleshooting.
Protecting Your Digital Communications
- 🔒 Always use a strong, unique password for your City Tele Coin account to prevent unauthorized access.
- 🔒 Be aware that facility administrators may review or monitor all modes of communication, including messages and video visits.
- 🔒 Understand that all calls, videos, and messages are recorded and stored by City Tele Coin and the facility.
- 🔒 Messages, once sent, become the property of the facility and cannot be deleted by the user.
- 🔒 Verify the data privacy and security practices of the mobile app, noting that personal and financial information may be collected and is encrypted in transit. You can typically request data deletion.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
318-756-1114 (Customer Service, 7 AM - 7 PM Central time, 7 days a week)
Direct Answers to Your City Tele Coin Questions
Q: How do I add money to a City Tele Coin account for an inmate?
To add money, log in to your account on citytelecoin.com or through the CityTeleCoin app. Select Add Funds, choose the account type (phone, commissary, or media), enter the amount, and pay using a debit card, credit card, or money order. Funds are typically credited quickly.
Q: What is the difference between a phone account and a commissary deposit?
A phone account is specifically for funding calls the incarcerated individual makes to your registered number. A commissary deposit goes into the inmate's trust account for purchases at the facility store. These are distinct accounts, and funds cannot be transferred between them. Always select the correct account type to avoid errors.
Q: How can I check if City Tele Coin serves my loved one's facility?
Visit citytelecoin.com and use the facility search tool. You can search by facility name, city, or state. If the facility appears, City Tele Coin holds the communication contract there. If it doesn't, the facility uses a different provider.
Q: What happens if my phone number changes and I have a DirectPay account?
DirectPay accounts are linked to specific phone numbers. If your number changes, you can request to transfer your existing balance to your new number.
Q: Are there fees associated with City Tele Coin services?
Yes, City Tele Coin is a prepaid-only service, and all funding transactions include a processing fee. Additional administrative fees, credit card fees, and state taxes may also apply, which you must agree to before completing a payment.
Wrap Up
City Tele Coin is committed to helping families maintain crucial connections with incarcerated loved ones. By understanding how to set up an account, manage funds, and utilize the various communication options available through their website and mobile app, you can ensure a smoother experience. Remember to review all terms regarding fees and communication monitoring to best utilize their services and stay connected.