Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Sending Money

How to Send Money to Facility

Sending money is straightforward once you know the two key rules: you must be on the inmate's approved list, and deposits go through central channels, not directly to the facility.

• 2 min read Based on general TX policies
How to Send Money to Facility

First, make sure you're eligible to send money. Since September 1, 2020, only people on an inmate's approved visitor list or Inmate Telephone List can deposit funds. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit may be rejected or delayed.

Note: Do not send trust fund deposits to the inmate’s facility of assignment. Deposits should be made using the central deposit options.

You have several deposit options: money orders or cashier's checks, ACH (monthly checking account debit), Access Corrections secure deposits, ACE (America's Cash Express), eCommDirect via Texas.gov, JPay, and TouchPay.

How to Send Money to Facility
  1. Confirm you are an approved sender: Make sure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list or the Inmate Telephone List (effective September 1, 2020, only these senders can deposit funds).
  1. Pick an approved central deposit option: Do not mail trust fund deposits to the facility. Use one of the listed options instead, such as money orders or cashier’s checks, ACH (monthly checking account debit), Access Corrections secure deposits, ACE (America's Cash Express), eCommDirect via Texas.gov, JPay, or TouchPay.
  1. Follow the instructions for the option you chose: Each deposit method has its own process. Use the specific instructions provided for that service (money order/cashier’s check, ACH, Access Corrections, ACE, eCommDirect via Texas.gov, JPay, or TouchPay) and complete the deposit exactly as directed.

What to Verify

  • ✓ Confirm you are currently on the inmate’s approved visitor list or the Inmate Telephone List.
  • ✓ If you are not on one of those lists, verify what needs to happen for you to be added before you attempt a deposit.
  • ✓ Confirm you should not send trust fund deposits to the inmate’s facility of assignment.
  • ✓ Confirm which deposit options are currently available for use: money orders or cashier’s checks, ACH (monthly checking account debit), Access Corrections secure deposits, ACE (America's Cash Express), eCommDirect via Texas.gov, JPay, and TouchPay.
  • ✓ Check the chosen deposit service for current details like acceptable payment types, processing time, and any fees.
  • ✓ Use the service’s own instructions for the most up-to-date requirements before you submit a deposit.

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