How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
At the James W. Allred Unit, not just anyone can send money. Only people on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or Inmate Telephone List can deposit funds—so the inmate needs to add you, or you'll need your phone registered through Securus. Don't send cash or personal checks for trust fund deposits; they aren't accepted and will be returned. Mailing a money order or cashier's check? Include the deposit slip the inmate provides. For online commissary and packages, eCommDirect is the only acceptable program. Quarterly spending limits apply: $70 for Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, and Jul–Sep; $95 for Oct–Dec. There's also a one-purchase-per-inmate-per-day rule. Service fees may apply, and the Inmate Trust Fund office handles account details and receipts.
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Want to buy commissary-style items online for someone at the James W. Allred Unit? eCommDirect is the program you need. It's the only approved online package program for TDCJ inmates — no other services will work.
Sending money to someone at the James W. Allred Unit boils down to two things: you need to be an approved sender, and you need to use an accepted payment method. Here's how to make sure your deposit actually goes through.
Only people on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or the Inmate Telephone List can deposit money for them. The inmate must add you to the visitation list, or your phone must be registered through Securus for the approved phone list.
No. Cash and personal checks aren’t accepted for inmate trust fund deposits and will be returned to the sender.
eCommDirect is the only acceptable online vendor, with one purchase per inmate per day and quarterly limits of $70 for Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, and Jul–Sep, and $95 for Oct–Dec. For mailed deposits, send a money order or cashier’s check and include the deposit slip the inmate gives you—don’t send cash.
Before you can schedule an in-person visit at the James W. Allred Unit, you need to create your own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account. Here's how to get through the steps that trip people up most.
Scheduling your first visit at Allred Unit starts with the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. Once you know the steps, it's straightforward: create an account, complete your profile, request relationship approval, then book your visit.
Allred Unit visitation runs on a weekly cycle, and that cycle determines how often an eligible inmate can receive visitors. Once you understand the cycle dates, weekend hours, and extended visit options, planning your trip gets much easier.
