Securus Call Rate Calculator

Calculate Your Securus Call Costs

Enter the details of your Securus calls to estimate the cost.

What is the Securus Call Rate Calculator?

The Securus Call Rate Calculator is a specialized tool designed to help individuals and families estimate the costs associated with making phone calls through the Securus platform. Securus Technologies is a major provider of communication services for correctional facilities, offering phone calls, video visits, and messaging for incarcerated individuals. Understanding the specific Securus call rates is crucial for managing communication budgets and avoiding unexpected charges.

This calculator is particularly useful for:

• Family members and friends who communicate with loved ones in correctional facilities.
• Individuals trying to budget their spending on Securus calls.
• Anyone seeking clarity on how Securus charges for phone calls, including connection fees and per-minute rates.

A common misunderstanding revolves around the simplicity of call costs. Securus often employs a tiered pricing structure and may include various fees (like connection fees) that can significantly impact the final bill. This calculator aims to demystify these charges by allowing users to input typical call durations and known rates to get an accurate estimate.

Securus Call Rate Formula and Explanation

The core calculation for Securus call costs involves multiplying the duration of the call by the per-minute rate and then adding any applicable connection fees. When considering multiple calls, these costs are compounded.

The formula implemented in this calculator is:

Total Cost = (Total Call Minutes * Rate Per Minute) + (Number of Calls * Connection Fee)

Variables Explained:

Securus Call Rate Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Call Duration	The length of a single phone call.	Minutes	0.5 – 60 minutes
Rate Per Minute	The cost charged by Securus for each minute of a call. This can vary significantly by state, facility, and call type (local vs. long distance).	USD per Minute	$0.05 – $0.50+
Connection Fee	A one-time fee charged per call, regardless of duration. This is a common charge that adds to the overall cost.	USD	$0.00 – $3.00+
Number of Calls	The total count of individual calls made within a given period.	Count	1 – 100+

It's important to note that "Total Call Minutes" in the formula is often derived from the average duration of calls multiplied by the number of calls, or simply summing up all minutes from recorded calls. For simplicity in this calculator, we use the direct inputs provided.

Practical Examples of Securus Call Costs

Understanding how different factors influence the total cost can be clarified with examples.

Example 1: Standard In-State Call

• Call Duration: 15 minutes
• Rate Per Minute: $0.21
• Connection Fee: $1.00
• Number of Calls: 4

Calculation:

Cost Per Call (excl. fee) = 15 minutes * $0.21/minute = $3.15

Total Cost = (15 minutes * $0.21/minute * 4 calls) + ($1.00/call * 4 calls)

Total Cost = ($63.00) + ($4.00) = $67.00

In this scenario, the connection fees add a significant portion to the overall cost, especially when making multiple calls.

Example 2: Shorter Out-of-State Call with Lower Rate

• Call Duration: 8 minutes
• Rate Per Minute: $0.15
• Connection Fee: $0.50
• Number of Calls: 10

Calculation:

Cost Per Call (excl. fee) = 8 minutes * $0.15/minute = $1.20

Total Cost = (8 minutes * $0.15/minute * 10 calls) + ($0.50/call * 10 calls)

Total Cost = ($12.00) + ($5.00) = $17.00

Here, even with lower per-minute rates and smaller connection fees, the cumulative cost over multiple calls can still add up.

How to Use This Securus Call Rate Calculator

1. Input Call Duration: Enter the average or exact duration of a single call in minutes in the "Call Duration" field.
2. Enter Rate Per Minute: Find out your specific Securus rate per minute (this is often listed on the Securus website for your region or provided by the correctional facility) and enter it in the "Rate Per Minute" field. Ensure it's in USD.
3. Add Connection Fee (if applicable): If your Securus calls have a fixed connection fee per call, enter that amount in the "Connection Fee" field. If there is no connection fee, leave it at $0.00.
4. Specify Number of Calls: Enter the total number of calls you anticipate making or have made in the period you want to calculate.
5. Click "Calculate": The calculator will process your inputs and display the estimated total cost, along with intermediate values like total minutes and total connection fees.
6. Use "Reset": If you need to start over or clear the fields, click the "Reset" button.
7. Copy Results: Use the "Copy Results" button to save the summary of your calculation for budgeting or record-keeping.

Always try to confirm your specific Securus calling rates and fees with the Securus website or the relevant correctional facility, as these can vary.

Key Factors That Affect Securus Call Rates

Several factors influence the cost of Securus calls, making it essential to be aware of them when budgeting:

1. Facility Location: Rates often differ significantly between states and even between different correctional facilities within the same state. This is often the biggest determinant of your per-minute cost.
2. Call Type (Local vs. Long Distance): While Securus aims to simplify this, some older or specific contracts might still have slight variations for calls originating from different geographic areas.
3. Service Provider Contracts: The contract Securus has with the specific correctional facility dictates many of the pricing structures, including the base rate and allowed fees.
4. Connection Fees: As highlighted, these per-call charges can substantially increase the total cost, especially for frequent, short calls.
5. Call Duration: While the rate is per minute, longer calls naturally incur higher costs. However, some facilities might have maximum call durations.
6. Third-Party Services: If using specific apps or platforms linked to Securus for calling, there might be additional fees or different rate structures involved.
7. Promotional Rates or Plans: Occasionally, Securus might offer specific plans or promotions, though these are less common for inmate communication services compared to standard phone plans.
8. Time of Day / Day of Week: Unlike traditional phone services, Securus calls are less likely to be affected by peak/off-peak pricing, but facility restrictions on calling times can indirectly impact usage patterns.

FAQ about Securus Call Rates

Q1: How do I find out my specific Securus rate per minute?

A: You can usually find this information on the official Securus website by logging into your account and navigating to the section related to your specific facility. Alternatively, contact Securus customer service or the correctional facility directly.

Q2: Are connection fees always charged?

A: Connection fees are very common with Securus calls but are not universal. Always check the specific pricing for the facility you are calling. This calculator allows you to include them if they apply.

Q3: Does the calculator handle international calls?

A: Securus primarily focuses on domestic US correctional facilities. International calling capabilities are limited and often have entirely different, much higher, rate structures. This calculator assumes standard domestic USD rates.

Q4: What if my call duration is less than a minute?

A: Securus typically rounds up call durations to the nearest minute or charges in increments (e.g., per 6 seconds). This calculator uses whole minutes for simplicity. For precise billing, always refer to Securus's official terms.

Q5: Can I use this calculator for video calls?

A: This calculator is specifically designed for Securus *phone* call rates. Video visitation rates and structures can differ significantly and are not covered here.

Q6: What are Securus "prepaid" vs. "collect" calls?

A: Prepaid calls require the recipient (or their family) to fund an account that is then debited per call. Collect calls are billed to the person receiving the call, but this model is less common with Securus for inmates. This calculator assumes a prepaid model where the user is funding the calls.

Q7: How can I reduce my Securus call costs?

A: Focus on shorter, more efficient calls. Understand the rates and fees thoroughly. Consider Securus's alternative communication methods like messaging or video visits if they are more cost-effective for your needs. Always verify the cheapest calling plan available for the specific facility.

Q8: What does "Total Call Minutes" mean in the summary?

A: It represents the sum of all minutes from all the calls you entered. It's calculated as (Call Duration per call) * (Number of Calls) for the purpose of this summary.

Related Tools and Resources

Explore these related resources for managing communication with correctional facilities:

• Securus Mobile App Guide: Learn how to use the Securus app for managing calls and messages.
• Understanding Correctional Facility Communication Fees: A broader overview of charges in the prison system.
• Securus Video Visitation Calculator: Estimate costs for virtual visits.
• Inmate Messaging Costs Explained: Details on the pricing for Securus electronic messages.
• State-by-State Securus Rate Comparison: A potential resource for comparing rates across different jurisdictions (if available).
• Tips for Budgeting Communication Costs: General advice for families communicating with incarcerated loved ones.