Who Can Send Money to an Inmate at Baten Unit — and What It Costs (eCommDirect)

At the Baten Unit, not just anyone can deposit money into an inmate's account. Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts deposits from people on the inmate's Approved Visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit will be rejected.

Buying items through an online package program for a TDCJ inmate? eCommDirect is the only approved option. Other "inmate package" sites you find online aren't authorized for TDCJ purchases.

eCommDirect handles two types of support: purchases for your loved one and money deposits. Fees vary depending on which you're doing - or whether you combine both in a single checkout.

Each purchase order through eCommDirect costs $3.75 in transaction fees. That's on top of whatever you're buying, so bundling items into fewer orders saves you money.

Deposits through eCommDirect cost $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount. The $2.50 flat fee applies every time, and the percentage adds up as your deposit increases.

Practical Verification Steps

• ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s Approved Visitor list or on the Inmate Telephone List before you try to deposit money.

• ✓ Use eCommDirect for online package purchases to TDCJ inmates (it’s the only acceptable package program).
• ✓ Budget for the eCommDirect purchase fee ($3.75 per purchase transaction).
• ✓ Budget for the eCommDirect deposit fee ($2.50 + 2.25% of the deposit amount).
• ✓ If you’re depositing and purchasing in the same session, expect the combined fee ($3.75 + 2.25% of the deposit).