Texas prison money & phone fees, compared
What it costs to send money and take calls from TDCJ, using only fees TDCJ publishes, each with its source and date. Where a fee isn't published, we say so; we never guess.
Sending money
Options TDCJ names: Access Corrections (DOC-named) (opens in new tab), JPay (DOC-named) (opens in new tab)
Official fees and rates
- TDCJ accepts mailed money orders or cashier's checks, a free monthly checking debit, and approved vendors (Access Corrections, ACE Cash Express, eCommDirect, JPay, TouchPay). Fees vary.
Other official notes
- Only people on the person's approved visitor or phone list can deposit to the Inmate Trust Fund.
Source: official TDCJ page (opens in new tab) · checked
Phone calls, video and messages
Official fees and rates
Not published on the official TDCJ page we read. Vendors show their fee before you pay; check it there.
Other official notes
- TDCJ offers one 60-minute video visit a month in addition to in-person visits.
Source: official TDCJ page (opens in new tab) · checked
Ways to keep costs down
- If TDCJ lists a free option (often a mailed money order), it says so above.
- Fees often step up with the amount; a vendor's checkout screen shows the exact fee before you pay.
- Compare states: all states side by side.
OutSooner has no sponsors or affiliate links; vendors are named only because TDCJ names them. Not financial or legal advice.
Other states · Texas mail rules · Visit-day checklist · Texas prisons and family guide
Sources: How we source and verify · Last verified: · Corrections