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Send Money at San Joaquin Jail

How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options

Overview

San Joaquin Jail references SmartDeposit as the online vendor for adding funds to inmate trust accounts—start there for web or mobile deposits. Before sending money, have the incarcerated person's full name and booking or facility ID ready. Follow the vendor's step-by-step instructions. Keep your receipts and transaction details: staff will only discuss funds you personally deposited and won't tell you what the inmate purchased. Depending on what's available, you can typically deposit through an online portal, by phone, at a lobby kiosk, or by U.S. Postal money order. Posting times and third-party fees vary, so check the vendor or facility instructions for accepted payment types and timing. Never mail cash.

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Quick Facts

  • San Joaquin Jail references SmartDeposit as the online vendor for inmate deposits.
  • Staff will only provide information about funds you personally deposited and will not disclose inmate purchases.
  • Do not mail cash; use approved electronic vendors or U.S. Postal money orders where accepted.
  • Have the incarcerated person’s full name and booking or facility ID ready before making a deposit.

Common Questions

How can I add money to an inmate’s account at San Joaquin Jail?

San Joaquin Jail references SmartDeposit for online deposits—start there for web or mobile payments. Have the inmate's full name and booking or facility ID ready, then follow the vendor's instructions. Other options may include phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders. Check fees and posting times with the vendor.

Can jail staff tell me how an inmate spent money I deposited?

No. Staff will only provide information about funds you personally deposited and will not disclose an inmate’s purchases.

Is it safe to mail cash or personal checks to San Joaquin Jail?

Do not mail cash. Use approved electronic deposit options or a U.S. Postal money order where accepted, and follow the vendor and facility instructions for what payment types are allowed.

Other Guides for San Joaquin Jail

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Before Your First Visit to San Joaquin Jail: A 1‑Page Checklist for Families

- Sign up at least 30 minutes before the next available visit (first-come, first-served). - Keep your group to 3 people max per visit — this count includes children and babies. - Plan for a strict 45-minute visit (no exceptions). - Don’t overstay — it can cost you visiting privileges. - Once your visit starts, don’t exit the visiting room or the visit will be terminated. - Remember the limits: 2 visits per week (Monday–Sunday), and only 1 visit per day even if you go to a different San Joaquin County Jail location. - Leave your phone behind — cellular phones are prohibited in visiting. - No photos during visits.

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