Sending Money to a Texas Inmate: Approved Deposit Methods and Who May Send
Sending money to someone in TDCJ is straightforward once you know two things: who can send funds, and which deposit methods are accepted. Here are the approved options, along with the rules, addresses, fees, and limits that often trip people up.
Since September 1, 2020, TDCJ only accepts deposits from people on the inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List. This security measure protects both inmates and staff. If you're not on one of those lists yet, get that sorted first. Otherwise, your deposit may be rejected.
Note: Call the unit to confirm details before traveling or sending funds. This saves you from wasted trips and surprises from last-minute changes.
TDCJ accepts money orders and cashier's checks for mail deposits. Make them payable to "Inmate Trust Fund," include the offender's name and number, and send with a completed deposit slip. Mail to: Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060. Do not send deposits to the inmate's unit address. All trust fund deposits go through this central mailing address, not the facility where they're housed.
Note: Cash and personal checks are not accepted for inmate deposits. If you send them, they will be returned to you.
TDCJ offers a monthly checking account debit (ACH) option for regular support. The debit happens around the 5th of each month, and the credit posts to the offender's trust fund account around the 10th. If you're counting on funds for commissary, keep that timing in mind.
- ✓ Completed ACH authorization paperwork
- ✓ A voided check from the account you want debited
- ✓ Mail the completed forms and voided check to Inmate Trust Fund (ACH submissions go to: PO Box 629, Huntsville, TX 77342-0629)
Want to send an online care package instead of just commissary money? eCommDirect is the only approved online package program for TDCJ inmates. If a website or ad claims to offer packages through a different "online package program," that's a red flag. Stick with eCommDirect.
- ✓ Quarterly spend limits: Jan–Mar up to $70; Apr–Jun up to $70; Jul–Sep up to $70; Oct–Dec up to $95 (holiday spend)
- ✓ Newly received inmates are not eligible to receive eCommDirect purchases until the next calendar quarter after they enter TDCJ
- ✓ eCommDirect purchase fee: $3.75 per purchase
- ✓ eCommDirect deposit fee: $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount
One rule that catches people off guard: only one eCommDirect purchase can be completed per inmate per day. If you need to place multiple orders, space them out.
If you have questions about deposits (including eCommDirect), contact the Inmate Trust Fund at 936-438-8990.
Note: Before you send money, confirm you are approved to send it (you must be on the approved visitor list or the Inmate Telephone List). If you are unsure, call the unit first.
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