Commissary is the store inside a jail or prison. People buy snacks, hygiene items, stamps and other things the facility does not hand out, using money in their account. "Putting money on someone's books" means depositing into that account.
What commissary is
Each facility runs its own commissary. As an example, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice says its unit commissaries carry over 700 items, including snacks, nutritional supplements, hygiene items, educational supplies, entertainment and clothing. In federal prison, money sent by family and friends goes into the person's commissary account, which works like a bank account for purchases.
How to put money on someone's books
You need the person's full name and their booking, inmate or register number. Common ways to deposit:
- Online or by phone through the vendor the facility uses. TDCJ lists approved online vendors, for example, and the federal Bureau of Prisons takes MoneyGram and Western Union.
- By mail with a money order or cashier's check, sent to the address the facility names. TDCJ uses a trust fund post office box in Huntsville; the BOP uses a lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa. Do not send cash.
- A kiosk in the jail lobby, where the jail has one. Ask the jail.
Step-by-step details are in how to send money to someone in jail or prison.
Ordering items for someone
Some systems let family buy items directly. TDCJ's eCommDirect, for example, lets approved senders order up to about 100 top-selling items for an eligible inmate. TDCJ sets a spending limit per calendar quarter, charges a $3.75 fee per order, and says items arrive in about five business days. You must be on the person's approved visitor or telephone list to order.
Limits, holds and fees
- Spending can be capped and commissary can be restricted. TDCJ, for example, sets quarterly limits for eCommDirect orders, and inmates on commissary restriction cannot receive them.
- Large deposits can be held. TDCJ holds single deposits of $500 or more for 14 days.
- Vendors charge fees that differ by method and facility. Check the fee before you pay.
- Any balance left is usually given back at release; TDCJ says so for its trust fund.
Questions
What does "on the books" mean in jail?
It means money in the person's commissary or trust account, which they use to buy items from the facility store and sometimes to pay for calls or messages.
Can I send cash for commissary?
No. Facilities do not accept cash by mail. Use the facility's approved vendor, a kiosk, or a money order sent to the address the facility names.
How long does a commissary deposit take?
It depends on the method. The BOP says MoneyGram and Western Union deposits sent between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern are usually posted within 2 to 4 hours; mailed money orders take longer.
Sources
The pages below back up the main rules and definitions in this guide. We opened each link on October 14, 2026.
- Commissary & Trust Fund, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Trust fund deposits, the unit commissary (over 700 items), eCommDirect, its quarterly limits and per-order fee.
- Stay in touch (communications), Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal mail rules (general and special mail, packages, publications), TRULINCS, and deposits to commissary accounts.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and facility rules differ and change; confirm details with the facility, court or a lawyer.