How to Send Money to Someone at Placer Jail (Auburn & South Placer)
Sending commissary money to someone at the Placer County jails is pretty simple once you know your options. Here are the most common deposit methods, plus the weekly deadline you need to hit so funds arrive in time.
There are several ways to put money on someone's commissary account at Placer County jails (Auburn and South Placer). The right one depends on how fast you need the deposit to go through, how much convenience matters, and what you're willing to pay in fees. For a low-tech option, send a money order or cashier's check (up to $150 each) made payable to the inmate. Include the inmate's jail ID number. You can mail these in or drop them in the lobby drop-boxes at either jail. Need something faster? The Smart Deposit kiosks in the jail lobbies accept cash, credit cards, and permanent bank ATM or debit cards. If you'd rather handle things from home, you can place online deposits or commissary orders through the My Care Pack website, or call in a deposit through Smart Deposit (Access Corrections).
Timing tip: Deposits must be made by midnight on Mondays to be included in that week’s commissary delivery.
Fees: Smart Deposit transaction fees vary based on the gross amount you deposit, and the channel you use (web, phone, or lobby).
Placer County jails accept money orders or cashier's checks only when you're mailing funds or using a lobby drop-box. Each one can be up to $150. Make it payable to the inmate and include their jail ID number. These deposits go toward commissary only. The same rules apply whether you mail the payment or drop it off in person, so double-check everything before you send it.
- ✓ Make sure the purchaser’s name is filled in
- ✓ Make sure the purchaser’s mailing address is filled in
- ✓ Write the inmate’s name on the money order or cashier’s check
- ✓ Include the inmate’s jail ID number
For in-person deposits, look for the Smart Deposit kiosks in the jail lobbies. They accept cash, credit cards, and permanent bank ATM or debit cards. If you're already at the jail, this is often the easiest route since there's nothing to mail.
Prefer to call it in? Smart Deposit (Access Corrections) takes phone deposits at 866-394-0490. Just follow the prompts to fund the inmate's account.
For online deposits or commissary orders, use the My Care Pack website. This is the most convenient option if you live out of the area or need to handle everything remotely.
Smart Deposit charges a transaction fee based on the gross amount you deposit. Fees also vary by channel (web, phone, or lobby), so compare the total cost before you submit. If keeping fees low matters to you, check the published fee table first. A different deposit amount or channel could save you a few dollars.
The weekly commissary cutoff is midnight on Mondays. Miss that deadline and the money won't make it onto that week's delivery. Plan ahead when you can.
Common Mistakes
- ✓ Do not send personal checks, they are not accepted
- ✓ Do not leave off the inmate’s jail ID number on a money order or cashier’s check
- ✓ Do not forget to fill in the purchaser’s name and mailing address on the money order or cashier’s check
- ✓ Do not exceed the $150 limit when using money orders or cashier’s checks
Reminder: Jail lobby drop-boxes accept money orders or cashier’s checks only (up to $150 each), for commissary use only.
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