Funny Money Friday: Credit Cards Now Accepted in Jail

Money doesn't have to be boring! Each week, CreditBloggers.com takes a look at the lighter side of the personal finance world in a series called Funny Money Friday.

First it was credit card kiosks in churches...now there are going to be credit card machines in jail!

The Missoula County Detention Center announced earlier this week that they have started accepting credit cards for bail payments. The new payment system allows people to bail themselves out and is designed to control jail overcrowding issues. According to an Associated Press article:

"The credit card machine is now installed at the jail, so if you get arrested and want to bail yourself out, you can put it on your credit card," said Margaret Borg, a former chief public defender here.

This actually could be a very good idea for those in trouble with the law. Bail bond offices charge you a non-refundable 10% fee for posting bail on your behalf. If the courts allow you to pay this 10%  balance by credit card instead, you would get the amount back in full when you showed up in court and would only have to pay the interest on the balance. Plus, I think most people would rather risk dealing with credit card collection agents instead of bounty hunters.

My own personal experiences with jails and bail bonds are sadly lacking. Do any of our readers have some tips to share? 

Comments

[master casuncad]

at first i didn't believe that credit cards exist in churches and now there will be credit card machines in jail???

and what do you think the prisoners will use it for?

just asking anyway...