How to Send Money to Someone in TDCJ Custody
What TDCJ payment means and who needs to know about it
TDCJ stands for Texas Department of Criminal Justice. If someone you know is incarcerated in a Texas prison or state jail, you may need to send them money for commissary (the prison store), phone calls, or other approved expenses. TDCJ has specific rules about how money moves into inmate accounts, and the process differs depending on whether you send it online, by mail, or in person.
The money you send does not go directly to the person — it goes into their commissary account, which the facility controls. You cannot send cash or personal checks. TDCJ only accepts money through approved payment methods, and each method has its own timeline and fees.
Key Takeaways
- Money sent to an inmate goes into their commissary account, not their pocket, and can only be used at the prison store or for approved services like phone calls.
- TDCJ accepts payment through JPay (online or kiosk), Western Union, money order by mail, or in-person at the facility, but not cash or personal checks.
- Online and kiosk payments through JPay usually post within one business day; mail takes one to two weeks depending on processing time.
- Each payment method has different fees, ranging from no fee for mail to several dollars for online or kiosk transfers.
- You need the inmate's TDCJ number (not their name alone) to send money, and you should verify the correct facility before sending.
JPay: the fastest online and kiosk option
JPay is the official payment processor for TDCJ and offers the quickest way to send money if you have internet access or can reach a kiosk. You can pay online at JPay.com or use a JPay kiosk located at many Walmart, CVS, and other retail locations across Texas. Online payments typically post to the inmate's account within one business day.
To pay online, you create a JPay account, enter the inmate's TDCJ number and facility name, choose your payment amount, and pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. JPay charges a fee for online payments — the amount depends on your payment method and the amount sent, but expect $1.50 to $3.00 for most transfers. Kiosk payments work the same way but you pay in cash at the machine; kiosk fees are typically higher than online fees.
JPay also offers a mobile app if you prefer to send money from your phone. The process is identical to the website, and fees are the same.
Money order and mail: no fees but slower delivery
If you do not have internet access or want to avoid fees, you can mail a money order directly to the facility. This method is free, but it takes longer — typically one to two weeks for the money order to arrive, be processed, and post to the inmate's account.
To send a money order by mail, purchase one from a post office, grocery store, or other vendor. Write the inmate's name and TDCJ number on the money order itself. Mail it to the facility's business office address — you can find the correct address on the TDCJ website or by calling the facility directly. Do not send cash; TDCJ will not accept it, and mail can be lost or stolen.
Include a letter with the money order stating the inmate's full name and TDCJ number so the facility can match the payment to the correct person. Without this information, the money may be delayed or misplaced.
Western Union and in-person payment at the facility
Western Union is another option if you prefer not to use JPay. You can send money through any Western Union location, and the inmate can pick it up at the facility's business office during visiting hours or designated times. Western Union charges a fee for the transfer, which varies by location and amount sent.
Some facilities allow you to walk in and pay cash directly at the business office during business hours. This method is immediate — the money posts to the account the same day — but you must go in person and bring a valid ID. Call the facility ahead of time to confirm their in-person payment hours and whether they accept cash payments.
Finding the inmate's TDCJ number and correct facility
You cannot send money using only the person's name. TDCJ requires their TDCJ number, a unique identifier assigned when they enter the system. If you do not have this number, you can find it through the TDCJ Offender Search tool on the TDCJ website (tdcj.texas.gov). Enter the person's name and date of birth, and the search will return their TDCJ number and current facility.
Verify the facility name carefully before sending money. If you send it to the wrong location, it will be delayed or returned. The search tool shows the person's current housing unit, which helps ensure the payment goes to the right place.
If you cannot access the website, call the TDCJ Central Office at 936-295-6371 and provide the person's name and date of birth. They can give you the TDCJ number and facility over the phone.
What happens after you send the money
Once the money posts to the inmate's commissary account, they can use it to buy items from the prison store — snacks, hygiene products, clothing, and other approved goods — or to pay for phone calls and video visits if the facility offers them. The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash or transfer it to anyone else.
The inmate will see the balance in their account and can check it through the facility's commissary system or by asking a staff member. Some facilities allow inmates to check their balance through JPay's app or website if they have access to a tablet or computer in their housing unit.
If money is sent but does not appear in the account after the expected timeframe, contact JPay, Western Union, or the facility's business office to trace the payment. Keep your receipt or confirmation number from the original transaction.
Limits, holds, and restrictions on inmate accounts
TDCJ sets a maximum balance that an inmate can hold in their commissary account. This limit varies by facility and custody level, but it is typically between $50 and $100. If an inmate's account is at the limit, additional money sent will be held or rejected until they spend down their balance.
Some facilities place temporary holds on new deposits if there is a disciplinary investigation or other administrative reason. If money you sent does not appear within the expected timeframe, the facility may have placed a hold. Contact the facility's business office to ask about holds on that inmate's account.
Certain items are not allowed in commissary accounts — for example, money cannot be used to pay fines or restitution directly, though some facilities may allow it for specific court-ordered payments. Ask the facility what restrictions apply before sending large amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone in TDCJ if I do not know their TDCJ number?
No, you need the TDCJ number to send money. Use the TDCJ Offender Search tool on tdcj.texas.gov or call 936-295-6371 to find it. If you only have their name, the search tool will return their number and current facility.
How long does it take for money to show up in an inmate's account?
JPay online and kiosk payments post within one business day. Money orders sent by mail take one to two weeks. Western Union and in-person cash payments at the facility are immediate or same-day. The exact timeline depends on when the facility processes the payment.
What fees do I pay to send money to TDCJ?
JPay online payments charge $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the amount and payment method. Kiosk payments are typically higher. Money order by mail has no fee. Western Union charges a transfer fee that varies by location. In-person cash payments at the facility usually have no fee.
What can an inmate buy with money in their commissary account?
Inmates can buy food, hygiene products, clothing, and other approved items from the prison store. They can also use the money to pay for phone calls and video visits at facilities that offer them. They cannot withdraw cash or transfer money to anyone else.
What do I do if the money I sent does not show up?
Check your receipt or confirmation number and contact the payment processor (JPay, Western Union, or the facility) to trace the payment. Provide the inmate's TDCJ number and the date you sent the money. The facility's business office can tell you if the payment arrived and whether a hold has been placed on the account.