Introduction
When a loved one is incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), maintaining connection and providing support becomes both an emotional priority and a logistical challenge. Among the most practical forms of support is ensuring the inmate has access to commissary items—snacks, hygiene products, writing supplies, and other essentials that are not provided by the facility or are available only through purchase.
For decades, this process was cumbersome. Families mailed money orders, waited weeks for processing, and had no visibility into when—or if—their loved one received the funds or items. The inmate would then purchase commissary goods during limited window periods, often competing with hundreds of other prisoners for access to understaffed unit commissaries.
That system has been transformed by ecommerce.
Since 2012, the TDCJ has operated eCommDirect, an online platform that allows approved friends and family to purchase commissary items directly and make deposits into inmate trust fund accounts . It represents one of the most sophisticated applications of government ecommerce in the United States—a secure, transparent, and efficient digital service that processes millions of dollars in transactions annually while maintaining rigorous security protocols.
Yet despite its maturity, eCommDirect remains poorly understood by many who need it most. Eligibility rules have changed. Spending limits were raised in 2022. Delivery timeframes vary by unit status. And perhaps most critically, not every inmate is eligible to receive purchases—a fact that leads to countless rejected orders and frustrated families.
This guide provides the definitive, authoritative resource on ecommerce TDCJ. Drawing exclusively from official TDCJ documentation and verified government sources, we will explain:
- Exactly what eCommDirect is and how it works
- Step-by-step instructions for placing orders and making deposits
- Current quarterly spending limits (updated July 2022)
- Eligibility criteria—including who cannot receive purchases
- Payment methods, fees, and transaction rules
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Expert strategies for maximizing your support within program limits
Whether you are a first-time sender or a family member who has used eCommDirect for years but needs clarity on recent changes, this guide is your complete reference.
H2: What Is Ecommerce TDCJ? Understanding eCommDirect
Ecommerce TDCJ refers specifically to the eCommDirect online program operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Commissary and Trust Fund Department . It is a secure, web-based platform that enables approved individuals to:
- Purchase commissary items directly from an online catalog of approximately 100 top-selling products, which are delivered to the eligible inmate within five business days .
- Make deposits into an inmate’s trust fund account, which the inmate can then use to purchase additional items from the unit commissary. Deposits are credited to the inmate’s account on the second business day after TDCJ receives the transaction .
H3: The Evolution of TDCJ Commissary Ecommerce
eCommDirect launched in the fall of 2012 through a partnership between TDCJ and Texas.gov, the official website of the state of Texas . The initial rollout was remarkably successful: within its first year, the platform processed more than 190,000 transactions for over 150,000 eligible inmates across all TDCJ units .
The service was groundbreaking for several reasons:
- No account required: Unlike most ecommerce platforms, eCommDirect was designed for occasional, low-friction use. Users do not need to create persistent accounts; they simply enter the inmate’s information and complete the transaction .
- Direct purchase model: Rather than depositing money and hoping the inmate could access the commissary before items sold out, families could purchase specific items that would be delivered directly to the inmate .
- Security by design: The platform was built to prevent fraud, extortion, and contraband introduction while maintaining the privacy of inmate financial information .
Since its launch, eCommDirect has undergone several significant updates. The most recent major revision occurred July 1, 2022, when quarterly spending limits were raised to their current levels .
H3: eCommDirect vs. Unit Commissary: Two Distinct Systems
A common point of confusion among new users is the relationship between eCommDirect and the regular unit commissary. They are separate but complementary systems.
Critical distinction: The online purchase amount through eCommDirect does not affect the amount the inmate may spend on commissary items from funds already deposited in their trust fund account . These are separate allowances.
H2: Step-by-Step Guide to Using eCommDirect
The eCommDirect ordering process is designed for speed and simplicity. Most transactions can be completed in under three minutes.
H3: Step 1: Access the Official Platform
Navigate to the official eCommDirect portal. Extreme caution is advised: There is no single, easily-Googleable vanity URL for eCommDirect. The platform is accessed through Texas.gov‘s secure services portal. Always verify you are on an official .texas.gov or .tdcj.texas.gov domain.
The eCommDirect store operates on a schedule. It is closed weeknights from 8:30 PM CST to 4:00 AM CST .
H3: Step 2: Verify the Inmate
You will need two pieces of information :
- The inmate’s TDCJ number
- The inmate’s last name
Enter these exactly as they appear in official TDCJ records. Even a single digit error will result in a failed search or—worse—a successful search for the wrong inmate.
Important: You are not setting up a persistent account with Texas.gov at this stage. The system is designed for one-time or occasional use, though you may choose to save information for future transactions .
H3: Step 3: Choose Your Action
Once the inmate is verified, you have two options :
Option A: Purchase commissary items
- Browse the online catalog of approximately 100 approved products
- Items include snacks, hygiene products, correspondence supplies, and select packaged foods
- Add items to your cart
- Observe quarterly spending limits
Option B: Make a trust fund deposit
- Enter the amount you wish to deposit
- Maximum per deposit transaction: $300
- Funds are available to the inmate within two business days
You may do both in a single session, or choose only one.
H3: Step 4: Review and Pay
- Review your cart and confirm the inmate’s information
- Select payment method (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover)
- Complete the transaction
- Print or save your confirmation receipt
Critical rule: Only one purchase per inmate may be completed per day. If you fill your cart and decide not to complete the transaction, you must select “Cancel” on the payment page. Simply closing the browser or navigating away may lock the inmate out of receiving any purchases for that day .
H3: Step 5: Delivery and Confirmation
- Commissary items: Delivered to the inmate within five business days after TDCJ receives the purchase transaction details from Texas.gov. Unit security or staffing issues can delay delivery .
- Trust fund deposits: Credited to the inmate’s account on the second business day from the date of deposit .
There is no automated delivery confirmation system for the public. To verify receipt, you may :
- Contact the inmate directly
- Email ecommdirect@tdcj.texas.gov after five business days
- Call 936-438-8990
H2: eCommDirect Quarterly Spending Limits (Updated 2022)
Effective July 1, 2022, the quarterly spending limits for eCommDirect purchases were raised .
| Quarter | Months | Spending Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January – March | $70.00 |
| Q2 | April – June | $70.00 |
| Q3 | July – September | $70.00 |
| Q4 | October – December | $95.00 (Holiday Spend) |
Important rules regarding limits:
- The limit applies to total commissary purchases, not per transaction. You may make multiple purchases throughout the quarter, but once the cumulative total reaches the quarterly limit, no further purchases will be accepted until the next quarter begins .
- Each transaction incurs a $3.75 fee, regardless of purchase amount .
- The limit applies per inmate, not per sender. Multiple family members may make purchases, but the combined total across all senders cannot exceed the quarterly cap.
- The quarterly limit applies only to commissary purchases, not to trust fund deposits. You may make deposits at any time, subject to the $300 per transaction cap .
H2: Eligibility: Who Can Send and Who Can Receive
Not every individual is authorized to send, and not every inmate is eligible to receive. This is the single most common source of failed orders and frustrated families.
H3: Sender Eligibility (Who May Use eCommDirect)
To make purchases or deposits, you must :
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be an approved sender—typically meaning you are on the inmate’s approved visitation list, approved phone list, or otherwise verified by TDCJ
Critical warning: Do not send funds or make purchases for inmates you do not know. Inmates often establish “pen pal” relationships to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. Such solicitations are prohibited, and individuals who participate may be prosecuted for extortion .
H3: Inmate Eligibility (Who May Receive Purchases)
Even if an inmate has funds and you are an approved sender, the inmate may be ineligible to receive eCommDirect purchases. Eligibility is determined by multiple factors :
Eligibility criteria:
- Custody level and housing assignment
- No active commissary restriction
- Not a newly received inmate during their first quarter
- Housed at a unit with a TDCJ commissary
- Unit not on full or partial lockdown status
Ineligible populations include :
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| General Population | Levels 4 and 5 only are eligible; lower custody levels are not eligible |
| State Jail | Levels 4 and 5 only are eligible |
| Administrative Segregation | Levels 2, 3, and transition only are eligible |
| Death Row | Levels 2 and 3 only are eligible |
| Medical conditions | Certain medical classifications are ineligible |
| Commissary restriction | Any inmate on commissary restriction is ineligible |
| Newly received | Ineligible until the next calendar quarter after entry date |
Example: If an inmate entered TDCJ on December 2, they will not be eligible for eCommDirect purchases until the next calendar quarter, which begins in January .
Lockdown status: If a unit is on full or partial lockdown, inmates are confined to their cells as a security measure and cannot receive purchases. The entire unit must be officially lifted from lockdown status before deliveries resume .
Important: Commissary staff does not determine or control eligibility. An inmate may submit an I-60 form to inquire about their eCommDirect eligibility status and may choose to share this information with you. TDCJ does not provide eligibility information directly to friends and family .
H2: Payment Methods, Fees, and Transaction Rules
H3: Accepted Payment Methods
eCommDirect accepts the following credit cards :
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Discover
Prepaid cards and gift cards are not recommended. Cards linked to your name and bank account are more reliable and ensure smoother transaction processing .
Money orders and cashier’s checks are not accepted through eCommDirect. These instruments must be mailed directly to TDCJ’s Business and Finance Division—a slower, less convenient method .
H3: Fees
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Commissary purchase (any amount) | $3.75 per transaction |
| Trust fund deposit | Not specified; check current rate |
| eCheck (if available) | Typically lower than credit card fees |
Note on eChecks: While some third-party guides reference eCheck payment options, official TDCJ documentation emphasizes Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Verify current accepted methods at the time of your transaction.
H3: Transaction Rules and Restrictions
- Daily purchase limit: One purchase per inmate per day .
- Deposit limit: $300 per deposit transaction .
- No account required: You are not setting up an account with Texas.gov to make future purchases, though you may choose to save information .
- All sales are final: No refunds or credits are given for items not received due to the inmate’s release, change in custody level, or sanction that prevents receipt of goods .
- Substitution policy: If a specific product is unavailable at the time of distribution, TDCJ reserves the right to substitute a comparable item .
- 30-day rule: If products cannot be delivered within 30 days, the dollar amount of the purchase will be deposited into the inmate’s trust fund account .
H2: Available Products: What You Can and Cannot Send
H3: eCommDirect Catalog
The eCommDirect online catalog features approximately 100 top-selling commissary items . These represent the most frequently purchased products across TDCJ facilities and include:
Snacks and Food Items:
- Chips, cookies, candy
- Powdered drink mixes
- Nutritional supplements
- Kosher products (where applicable)
Hygiene Products:
- Toothpaste, deodorant, soap
- Shampoo, razors
- Personal care items
Correspondence Supplies:
- Envelopes, writing paper
- Stamps
- Pens, notepads
Clothing and Entertainment:
- Select clothing items
- Small electronics where permitted
H3: Unit Commissary vs. eCommDirect Selection
It is important to understand that the eCommDirect catalog is not the full commissary inventory. Unit commissaries sell over 700 individual items . The eCommDirect catalog is a curated subset of the most popular items.
Why this matters: Products available on eCommDirect are not necessarily a reflection of your inmate’s specific unit commissary. Availability varies by facility, and items may be out of stock at the time of distribution .
H3: Prohibited Items
The following are strictly prohibited through eCommDirect:
- Cash
- Contraband of any kind
- Unauthorized electronics
- Items not appearing in the approved online catalog
Orders containing prohibited items will be rejected or confiscated .
H2: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Based on official TDCJ guidance and decades of collective user experience, these are the most frequent errors made by eCommDirect users.
H3: Mistake 1 – Incorrect Inmate Information
The error: Entering the wrong TDCJ number, misspelling the inmate’s last name, or selecting the wrong individual from search results.
The consequence: Your purchase goes to the wrong inmate—or is rejected entirely. Funds sent to the wrong inmate are not recoverable.
Avoidance: Double-check the TDCJ number and full legal name before submitting. Use the TDCJ inmate search tool independently to verify information before beginning your eCommDirect session .
H3: Mistake 2 – Exceeding Quarterly Spending Limits
The error: Attempting to purchase more than $70 ($95 in Q4) in commissary items within a calendar quarter.
The consequence: Your order will be partially or fully denied. If multiple family members are sending, it is easy to unknowingly exceed the cap.
Avoidance: Communicate with other family members who may also be sending purchases. Track cumulative spending. Remember that the $3.75 transaction fee does not count toward the limit—only the value of the items themselves.
H3: Mistake 3 – Not Exiting Properly
The error: Filling your cart, deciding not to complete the purchase, and simply closing the browser or navigating away.
The consequence: The inmate is “locked out” of receiving any purchases for that day. The system does not automatically reset; it assumes an abandoned cart is still in progress.
Avoidance: Always click “Cancel” on the payment page if you do not intend to complete the transaction. The account will reset on the next business day .
H3: Mistake 4 – Sending to Ineligible Inmates
The error: Attempting to make a purchase for an inmate who is on commissary restriction, in a non-eligible custody level, or newly received.
The consequence: The order will be rejected. You may not discover the rejection until days later when the items fail to deliver and you contact the inmate or eCommDirect support.
Avoidance: Ask the inmate to verify their eligibility status via I-60 form before you attempt a purchase. Understand that many inmates are simply not eligible, and no workaround exists .
H3: Mistake 5 – Assuming Deposit and Purchase Are the Same
The error: Believing that making a trust fund deposit automatically allows the inmate to purchase commissary items immediately, or that deposited funds are subject to the same quarterly limits as eCommDirect purchases.
The consequence: Confusion about why the inmate cannot access certain items, or why deposits appear to “count” against limits.
Avoidance: Remember: Trust fund deposits and eCommDirect purchases are separate systems with separate rules . Deposits go into the inmate’s account and are subject to unit commissary spending rules. eCommDirect purchases are direct gifts of specific items and are subject to quarterly caps.
H2: Expert Tips and Best Practices
Drawing on official TDCJ documentation and the collective experience of thousands of successful eCommDirect users, these expert strategies will help you maximize the value of every transaction.
H3: 1. Combine Orders Strategically
Each eCommDirect transaction incurs a $3.75 fee. If you make four separate $17.50 purchases throughout the quarter, you will pay $15.00 in fees. If you combine them into one $70.00 purchase, you pay one $3.75 fee.
Strategy: Consolidate purchases whenever possible. Coordinate with other family members to designate one primary sender each quarter, or pool funds to maximize the value of a single transaction.
H3: 2. Know the Holiday Quarter Advantage
The fourth quarter (October–December) has a $95.00 spending limit—$25 higher than other quarters .
Strategy: If your inmate has non-perishable needs that can wait, defer some purchases to Q4 to maximize the higher cap. This is particularly useful for clothing items, electronics, and bulk snacks.
H3: 3. Communicate Directly About Needs
The eCommDirect catalog is limited to 100 items, but not every inmate wants or needs the same products. Snacks expire. Hygiene preferences differ. Clothing sizes vary.
Strategy: Ask your inmate specifically what they need and want. Their feedback prevents you from spending money on items that will sit unused or be traded at unfavorable rates .
H3: 4. Understand the Lockdown Reality
When a unit is on lockdown, no eCommDirect deliveries occur . This is not a delay—it is a complete suspension until the unit is officially cleared.
Strategy: If your inmate’s unit has a history of lockdowns (gang-related incidents, staffing shortages, holidays), do not wait until the last day of the quarter to make purchases. Front-load your spending early in the quarter to ensure delivery before potential disruptions.
H3: 5. Maintain Your Own Records
eCommDirect provides confirmation receipts, but there is no public-facing dashboard showing your cumulative quarterly spending or the inmate’s remaining eligibility.
Strategy: Create a simple spreadsheet or even a notes app entry tracking:
- Date of each purchase
- Dollar amount
- Running quarterly total
- Confirmation number
This protects you from accidentally exceeding limits and provides documentation if you need to contact support.
H3: 6. Never Respond to Unsolicited Requests
A hard truth: inmates sometimes solicit funds and commissary items from individuals they do not know personally. TDCJ explicitly warns: “DO NOT send funds or make purchases for offenders you do not know” .
Strategy: If you receive a letter, email, or message from someone claiming to be an inmate you have no prior relationship with, do not engage. Report the solicitation to the TDCJ Office of Inspector General. Extortion is a prosecutable offense.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is eCommDirect?
eCommDirect is the official online program operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice that allows approved friends and family to purchase commissary items and make deposits into inmate trust fund accounts .
2. How do I place an eCommDirect order?
Enter your first and last name (must match approved sender records), the inmate’s TDCJ number and last name, add items and/or deposits to your cart, checkout with Visa, Discover, or MasterCard, and print your confirmation receipt .
3. What are the current quarterly spending limits?
Effective July 1, 2022: January–March $70, April–June $70, July–September $70, October–December $95. A $3.75 transaction fee applies to each purchase .
4. How long does delivery take?
Commissary items are delivered within five business days after TDCJ receives the purchase transaction. Trust fund deposits are credited on the second business day. Unit security or staffing issues can cause delays .
5. Who is eligible to receive eCommDirect purchases?
Eligibility is based on custody level, commissary restriction status, intake date, unit assignment, and lockdown status. General Population and State Jail Levels 4 and 5 are eligible; lower levels are not. Administrative Segregation Levels 2, 3, and transition are eligible. Death Row Levels 2 and 3 are eligible. Newly received inmates are not eligible until the next calendar quarter .
6. Can I make a deposit without making a purchase?
Yes. You may make a trust fund deposit at any time without purchasing commissary items. Deposits are subject to a $300 per transaction limit .
7. What payment methods are accepted?
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted through eCommDirect. Prepaid cards are not recommended. Money orders must be mailed separately .
8. Why was my order rejected?
Common reasons include: the inmate is not eligible to receive purchases; you have exceeded the quarterly spending limit; the inmate already received one purchase that day; the inmate’s unit is on lockdown; or you are not an approved sender .
9. Can I get a refund if my inmate is released before receiving items?
No. All sales are final. No credit or refund is given for items not received due to the inmate’s release, change in custody level, or sanction that prevents receipt of goods. If items cannot be delivered within 30 days, the dollar amount is deposited into the inmate’s trust account .
10. How do I know if my order was delivered?
There is no automated notification. You may contact the inmate directly, or email ecommdirect@tdcj.texas.gov or call 936-438-8990 after five business days .
11. What items can I purchase through eCommDirect?
Approximately 100 top-selling commissary items are available, including snacks, hygiene products, correspondence supplies, and select packaged foods. This is a subset of the 700+ items available at unit commissaries .
12. Is there a limit on how often I can make deposits?
You may make deposits at any time, subject to the $300 per transaction cap. There is no quarterly limit on deposits, only on commissary purchases .
13. What happens if an item I ordered is out of stock?
TDCJ reserves the right to substitute comparable items if the specific product is unavailable at the time of distribution .
14. Why did the system lock me out after I clicked the back button?
The eCommDirect system interprets navigation away from the payment page without completing or canceling the transaction as an abandoned cart. This locks the inmate out of receiving purchases for that day. The account resets on the next business day .
15. Can I send money to an inmate through Western Union or similar services?
No. The only authorized methods are eCommDirect for credit/debit card deposits and mailed money orders to the TDCJ Business and Finance Division .
16. How do I become an approved sender?
Approved sender status is generally tied to being on the inmate’s approved visitation list, approved phone list, or having an established verifiable relationship. Contact the inmate or the facility for specific guidance .
17. What is the TDCJ trust fund?
The trust fund is the inmate’s internal account at TDCJ. Funds deposited through eCommDirect or other methods are held in this account and can be used by eligible inmates to purchase commissary items, pay for medical co-pays, and other authorized expenses .
18. Are eCommDirect transactions taxable?
No. The service is provided by Texas.gov in partnership with TDCJ. Transaction fees support the operation and maintenance of the platform .
H2: Common Misconceptions About Ecommerce TDCJ
Misconception 1: “eCommDirect is the only way to send money.”
Fact: You may also mail money orders or cashier’s checks directly to TDCJ’s Business and Finance Division. However, eCommDirect is faster, more secure, and provides transaction confirmation .
Misconception 2: “If I deposit money, the inmate can immediately buy commissary online.”
Fact: Deposits go into the trust fund account. The inmate must then purchase items through the unit commissary system during its operating hours. eCommDirect purchases are a separate, direct-shipment process .
Misconception 3: “All inmates are eligible for eCommDirect.”
Fact: Many inmates are not eligible due to custody level, commissary restriction, intake timing, or unit status. Eligibility is not universal .
Misconception 4: “I can send any commissary item if I mail it myself.”
Fact: No. Only items purchased through the official eCommDirect catalog can be sent. Personal packages mailed to facilities are strictly prohibited and will be rejected or confiscated .
Misconception 5: “The $3.75 fee counts toward the spending limit.”
Fact: The fee is separate. You may purchase up to $70 in merchandise and pay $3.75 in fees—the total charged to your card is $73.75, but only the $70 merchandise value counts against the quarterly cap .
H2: The Future of Ecommerce TDCJ
Since its launch in 2012, eCommDirect has demonstrated that government ecommerce—when properly designed and executed—can deliver exceptional value to citizens while maintaining rigorous security and accountability standards .
The program continues to evolve. The July 2022 limit increases reflect TDCJ’s responsiveness to inflationary pressures and the changing needs of the inmate population . Future enhancements may include:
- Expanded product catalogs: As logistics capabilities improve, the 100-item ceiling may be raised.
- Enhanced tracking: Public-facing delivery confirmation dashboards.
- Mobile optimization: While the current platform is mobile-responsive, dedicated applications could further streamline the user experience.
- Broader eligibility: Custody level restrictions may be reviewed as security protocols evolve.
However, any changes will be carefully balanced against the overriding mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice: public safety. The convenience of ecommerce cannot come at the cost of institutional security. Contraband prevention, fraud detection, and extortion interdiction will remain paramount .
H2: Conclusion: Ecommerce as a Tool for Connection and Support
Ecommerce TDCJ—manifested through the eCommDirect platform—represents far more than a transactional convenience. It is a lifeline.
For the incarcerated individual, receiving a package of favorite snacks, a new supply of envelopes, or simply knowing that funds are available provides tangible comfort and a sense of continued connection to the outside world. For families, the ability to provide that support directly, securely, and with transparent delivery expectations offers peace of mind in an otherwise difficult circumstance.
But ecommerce in this context also carries significant responsibility. The system is deliberately constrained. Limits exist not to frustrate families, but to ensure equity across the inmate population and to prevent the exploitation of the commissary system for illicit purposes. Understanding these constraints—and working within them—is the mark of a successful eCommDirect user.
Key takeaways:
- Verify eligibility first. Before you spend time and money, confirm that your inmate is eligible to receive purchases. Custody level, intake date, commissary restriction status, and unit lockdown status all determine eligibility .
- Know the limits. Quarterly caps are $70 for three quarters, $95 for Q4. A $3.75 transaction fee applies to each purchase. Only one purchase per inmate per day .
- Purchase directly, or deposit. Both options are valuable. Direct purchases ensure specific items are received; deposits give the inmate spending flexibility. Neither affects the other’s limits .
- Be an approved sender. Do not send funds or purchases for inmates you do not know. Extortion is a crime, and unsolicited solicitations should be reported .
- Plan, communicate, and track. Coordinate with other family members, ask the inmate what they actually need, and maintain your own records of quarterly spending.
The eCommDirect program is a testament to the potential of thoughtfully applied ecommerce technology. It does not replace the human connection between families and incarcerated individuals—but it powerfully enables it.
For additional assistance, contact:
TDCJ eCommDirect Department
Phone: 936-438-8990
Email: ecommdirect@tdcj.texas.gov