NCIC Inmate Communications is a Texas-based provider that has built a reputation for lower county-jail calling rates and a single account that covers phone calls, video visits, and messaging. If your loved one is in a smaller county jail, there's a good chance you'll see the NCIC name.
What NCIC offers
- Phone calls. Per-minute prepaid calling with no connection fees and no incoming calls (the inmate calls you; three-way calls are blocked).
- Video visits. Schedule and join a visit from home.
- Messaging & photos. Send messages and approved pictures, delivered to the inmate's tablet, often instantly.
One of NCIC's selling points is that a single prepaid account manages everything — calls, video, and messages — with 24/7 funding and support.
Typical rates
NCIC publishes its rates on the facility's information page, and they're generally low. Commonly seen examples include:
- Calls: about $0.16–$0.21 per minute within the US; $0.25/min to Mexico and Canada; $0.35/min other international — with no connection fee.
- Video visits: around $0.30 per minute.
- Messages: roughly $0.10–$0.25 each; picture and video messages around $0.35.
These fell further in line with the FCC's Martha Wright-Reed rate caps effective April 6, 2026. Rates always vary by facility, so check the figure listed for your specific jail before funding.
How to set up an account
- Go to ncic.com (or account.ncic.com) to create and fund a prepaid account, or call 800-943-2189.
- Add your loved one and select the facility.
- Fund the account once and use the balance for calls, video visits, and messages alike.
- Download the NCIC mobile app for video visits and messaging on the go.
If you missed a call or got an NCIC notification, it means someone tried to reach you from a facility NCIC serves — you'll need funds on your account to connect.
Good to know
- Calls and messages are recorded/screened; keep legal matters off the line.
- There's no limit on how many messages or photos you can send at most facilities.
- Even with low rates, our discounted calling plan — a flat $10 a month for 500 minutes — can bring the cost down further.
Compare your options
NCIC is one of several phone and video companies you might encounter. See how it stacks up against the larger players in our inmate service provider directory, and read why inmate calls cost what they do.
Other phone & video call providers
- Securus Technologies — One of the two largest prison-telecom companies. Here's what Securus runs, what it costs under the new FCC caps, and how to set up an account.
- ViaPath Technologies (GTL) — The company formerly called GTL. How ViaPath's ConnectNetwork and GettingOut platforms work, and what they cost your family.
- ICSolutions — A TKC Holdings company behind 'The Visitor' video visitation. How to register, schedule, and fund a visit.
- Pay Tel Communications — A jail-focused provider behind the Pay Tel Connect app and inteleVISIT. How to set up an account and stay connected.
- HomeWAV — An inmate-initiated video platform — your loved one starts the call when you're online. How to set it up and what it costs.
See the full directory of inmate service providers for every phone, video, money, messaging, and care-package company.