Sending Money to Someone at Coffield Unit: Who Can Deposit, Methods, and Fees
Sending money to someone at the Coffield Unit is straightforward once you know two things: not everyone can deposit, and some deposits come with holds or fees. Here's how to avoid delays and surprises.
Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts deposits from people on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. Not on either list? Your deposit won't go through. Confirm your status before sending money.
Accepted Methods and No Cash
- ✓ Use an approved Trust Fund deposit option (for example, electronic deposit options or accepted mailed payments like money orders/cashier’s checks, depending on what you’re set up for)
- ✓ Do not send cash
- ✓ Do not send a personal check
No cash or personal checks: The Inmate Trust Fund does not accept cash or personal checks, and they will be returned to the sender.
Sending a larger amount? Plan ahead. Any single deposit of $500 or more is held for 14 days before the inmate can access it. The same 14-day hold applies to insurance, company, payroll, and estate checks.
New arrival timing: Newly received inmates can’t receive eCommDirect purchases until the next calendar quarter.
Using eCommDirect to add funds? Factor in the fee: $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount. The larger your deposit, the more that percentage adds up.
eCommDirect also charges a separate purchase fee. Making a commissary purchase costs $3.75. If you deposit and buy commissary items in the same checkout, the combined fee is $3.75 plus 2.25% of the deposit.
- Confirm you’re allowed to deposit - make sure you’re on the inmate’s approved visitor list or the Inmate Telephone List before you send money.
- If you’re not on a list, get that fixed first - deposits are limited to approved senders, so waiting to send money until you’re eligible can save you a return and lost time.
- ✓ Avoid cash and personal checks (they’re not accepted and will be returned)
- ✓ If you use eCommDirect, budget for the deposit fee ($2.50 + 2.25% of the deposit)
- ✓ If you plan to deposit and buy items in the same eCommDirect checkout, expect the combined fee ($3.75 + 2.25% of the deposit)
- ✓ Keep your receipt/confirmation until the inmate confirms the funds or purchase posted
Timing heads-up: Deposits of $500+ and certain check types (insurance, company, payroll, estate) are held for 14 days. If the person you're helping just arrived, they won't be eligible for eCommDirect purchases until the next calendar quarter.
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