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Inmate Bank - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I send money to an inmate?

  2. Where can I find an inmate's SPN number?

  3. Why did the inmate not get a receipt for my deposit?

  4. How much money is on an inmate's account?

  5. What is the quickest way to get money on an inmate's account?
  6. When is an inmate allowed to get commissary?

  7. Can I bring cash to the jail for an inmate?

  8. How much can an inmate spend on Commissary?

  9. What is the address of the Inmate Trust Fund?

  10. What is the Western Union code city for the Inmate Trust Fund?

  11. How do I get money from an inmate's account?


How do I send money to an inmate?
Money can be sent in one of three ways:

1. Money order via U.S. mail. Postal money orders and Western Union® money orders are accepted. The money order must be made out to the "Inmate Trust Fund", NOT the inmate. Include the inmates SPN and the name under which they are booked into jail on the face of the money order.

2. Cashiers’ Check via U.S. mail. Cashiers’ checks issued by a state or national bank only will be accepted. No cashiers’ checks from credit unions or other financial institutions will be accepted. The cashiers’ check must be made out to the "Inmate Trust Fund" only, NOT the inmate. Include the inmates SPN and the name under which they are booked into jail on the face of the check.

3. Western Union® Quick Collect®. A Western Union® Quick Collect® may be sent from any authorized Western Union® agent. Use the "blue form" and the Code City of "ITF-TEXAS". Include the inmates SPN and the name under which they are booked into jail in the account information blocks on the “blue form”.

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Where can I find an inmate's SPN number?
To find an inmate's SPN number go to the Harris County JIMS site. If this site is inaccessible for any reason, call 713-755-5300 for more information.

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Why did the inmate not get a receipt for my deposit?
A receipt is generated for each and every deposit made to an inmate's account. Should an inmate not receive a receipt for a deposit, he may direct a request to the Inmate Bank and a duplicate will be issued.

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How much money is in an inmate's account?
This information is not disseminated to any person other than the inmate who is named on the account. For an account balance, an inmate may contact the Inmate Trust Fund using the established contact methods currently employed by the Harris County jail system. Each time an inmate orders Commissary they are given a receipt showing the total of the current order and their remaining balance.

Anyone needing account information for legitimate law enforcement purposes, or for court, should fax a written request to the Inmate Trust Fund supervisor, provide a subpoena, or court order depending on the nature of the request.

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What is the quickest way to get money on an inmate's account?
The quickest way to get money placed on an inmate's account is by sending a Western Union® Quick Collect® through any authorized Western Union® agent (There is an associated fee for this service charged by Western Union®). These transactions are usually received in the Inmate Trust Fund a few minutes after they are sent and are normally processed during the watch on which they are received. Money orders and Cashiers’ Checks must be mailed and can take several days to arrive and be processed.

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When is an inmate allowed to get commissary?
Each cellblock has a designated schedule for Commissary delivery. Commissary deliveries are Tuesday through Friday, excluding County holidays. Check with the inmate concerning his scheduled delivery day.

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Can I bring cash to the jail for the inmate?
Once an inmate is booked, no cash is accepted for deposit to an inmate account, either in person or through the mail. Only money orders, cashiers’ checks, or Western Union® Quick Collects® are accepted.

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How much can an inmate spend on Commissary?
An inmate is allowed to spend $100.00 a week on Commissary.

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What is the address of the Inmate Trust Fund?
Inmate Trust Fund
1200 Baker Street
Houston, Texas 77002
713-755-5313 / FAX 713-755-4546

NOTE: The Inmate Bank DOES NOT give out information on an inmate’s criminal case. For information of that nature please go to Harris County JIMS or call Inmate Records at 713-755-5300.

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What is the Western Union code city for the Inmate Trust Fund?
Use the code city "ITF - TEXAS" for Western Union Quick Collect transactions.

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How do I get money from an inmate's account?
Individuals who may obtain money from an inmate's account are as follows:

Spouse, immediate family (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter), bondsman, or attorney is allowed to obtained money from an inmate’s account. Common law spouses must have some corroborating paperwork (children's birth certificates showing inmate as parent, etc) in order to establish marriage relationship. Individuals with court orders showing custodianship or guardianship may also obtain money. Anyone receiving money from an inmate's account must be able to show proof of identification with an official, governmental issued picture I.D.

Individuals who wish to obtain money from an inmate's account must appear in person at the facility where the inmate is housed. Be prepared to remain until the money release process is completed. Upon arrival at the jail where the inmate is housed, contact deputy personnel at the Visitation Control Center (VCC) and advise them of your request. The deputy will notify deputies on the housing floor and they will contact the inmate for confirmation that they wish to release money to the individual. The inmate is required to sign and thumbprint a "Money Release Card" which is then forwarded to the Inmate Trust Fund. The account is checked to verify the inmate has the amount of money requested for release and to ensure that the inmate still will have a minimum of $10.00 remaining in the account. Once this has been done a check will be issued and sent to the VCC personnel for issuance. The individual receiving the check will then sign the money release card and thumbprint the back.

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REMEMBER!

  • Withdrawal from an inmate’s account must be done in person.
  • The minimum withdrawal from the Inmate Trust Fund account is $20.00. A $10.00 minimum balance must be maintained.
  • Money will be released only with the written consent of the inmate, and will be released only to immediate family members, the attorney of record, or a bondsman. A valid state or federal ID card or drivers license is required to withdraw money. The identification used must have a photograph of the person requesting the money.
  • Money may be withdrawn 7 days a week during the following hours:

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
11:00 PM - 5:00 AM

If Inmate is housed at
For Withdrawals Go to
1200 Baker Street Visitor Control Center 1200 Baker Street
701 N. San Jacinto Visitor Control Center 701 N. San Jacinto
711 N. San Jacinto Visitor Control Center 711 N. San Jacinto
1307 Baker Street Visitor Control Center 1307 Baker Street
 
     
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