Office of Family Services

Credit Card Readers to be Added to Vending Machines in Visitation Areas

Effective January 2025

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is coordinating with the vending machine vendors to bring a new convenience to families as they visit their loved ones. Beginning January 2025, credit card readers will be added to vending machines in visitation areas across the state. Visitors will be able to make vending machine purchases utilizing credit or debit cards. American Express and Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT cards will not be accepted. Card users are asked to observe the existing $35 purchase limit.

Visitors are permitted to bring their coins or card into the unit in a small wallet, change purse, or clear plastic bag. As per existing policy, all vending items must be consumed during the general or contact visit. Any visitor that violates the rules may have the visit denied and may be removed from the inmate’s Visitation List.

Related policies will be updated to reflect the change to items permitted during a visit, coin money in an amount not to exceed $35, or one credit or debit card.