How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Money for someone at TDCJ Polunsky Unit goes into the Inmate Trust Fund. You can add funds by mailing a money order or cashier's check, or through approved electronic vendors and kiosks (ACH, ACE, eCommDirect, JPay, TouchPay). Follow the instructions for whichever method you choose, since small mistakes can slow down posting. Before sending funds, make sure you're listed on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or the Inmate Telephone List. Only people on those lists can deposit money (policy effective Sept 1, 2020). Do not mail cash or personal checks. They are not accepted and will be returned. Vendor and kiosk deposits may include service fees and have their own processing timelines, so hold onto your receipt until the deposit shows up.
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Trying to put money on someone's trust fund at the Polunsky Unit? The method matters, and so does who's sending it. Here are the deposit options that actually work, plus common reasons a deposit gets rejected or sent back.
First, confirm you're on the inmate's Approved Visitation List or the Inmate Telephone List. Then deposit using an approved vendor (ACH, ACE, eCommDirect, JPay, TouchPay) or mail a money order or cashier's check following the posted instructions. Do not send cash or personal checks. They are not accepted and will be returned.
No. Effective Sept 1, 2020, only people on the inmate’s Approved Visitation List or Inmate Telephone List are allowed to deposit funds.
No. Cash and personal checks are not accepted and will be returned to the sender. Use a money order or cashier's check for mailed deposits, and follow the deposit instructions exactly.
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Reaching someone at Polunsky Unit usually involves two things: scheduling a visit and setting up phone access. Here are the details that matter most, plus what to confirm before you make plans.
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