San Patricio County Jail Commissary allows families and friends to support inmates by adding money to their accounts. This helps inmates buy food, hygiene items, and other essentials during their stay. The jail offers four secure ways to send funds: online, by phone, at a lobby kiosk, or through the mail. Each method is designed to be fast, safe, and easy to use. All deposits are checked every night to make sure the money goes to the right person. Whether you’re nearby or far away, you can help an inmate get what they need.
How to Send Money to an Inmate at San Patricio County Jail
There are four main ways to fund an inmate’s commissary account at San Patricio County Jail. The first is online through the Access Corrections portal. This site accepts Visa and Mastercard. Once you enter the inmate’s ID number and payment details, the system confirms the deposit within five minutes. The second option is by phone. Call 866‑345‑1884 any time of day. A live operator will help you complete the transaction and give you a receipt right away.
The third way is using the self‑service kiosk in the jail lobby. It takes cash, debit cards, and chip‑enabled credit cards. The kiosk prints a receipt and creates a QR code that the inmate can scan to see their updated balance the same day. The fourth method is mailing a money order or cashier’s check. Send it to the jail’s finance department at 300 North Rachal, Sinton, TX 78387. Do not send cash through the mail. All deposits are reviewed nightly to ensure accuracy.
Online Deposits: Fast and Secure
Online deposits are the quickest way to add money. Go to the Access Corrections website and choose “Send Money.” Enter the inmate’s full name and booking number. Then pick your payment amount and use a valid Visa or Mastercard. The system is PCI‑compliant, meaning it follows strict security rules to protect your card information. After you submit the payment, the inmate’s balance updates within 30 minutes. You’ll get an email confirmation with a transaction ID for your records.
This method works 24/7, so you can send money any time. It’s ideal for people who live far from Sinton or have busy schedules. Just make sure you have the correct inmate ID. If you’re unsure, check the jail roster first. Online payments also let you set up future deposits if needed. No app is required, but Access Corrections does offer mobile apps for iOS and Android for easier access.
Phone Deposits: Speak to a Live Agent
If you prefer talking to a person, call 866‑345‑1884. This line is open all day, every day. A customer service agent will ask for the inmate’s name, booking number, and your payment details. They accept credit and debit cards. Once the payment goes through, the agent gives you a confirmation number. The money shows up in the inmate’s account within minutes.
This option is helpful if you don’t have internet access or feel more comfortable with voice support. The agent can also answer basic questions about deposit limits or fees. Keep your receipt until you confirm the funds reached the inmate. Phone deposits may have a small service fee, which the agent will tell you about before charging your card.
Lobby Kiosk: Pay in Person with Cash or Card
The jail lobby has a self‑service kiosk that accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can insert dollar bills or quarters, or swipe a chip‑enabled card. The screen walks you through each step. After payment, the kiosk prints a receipt and generates a QR code.
The inmate can scan this code at their housing unit to verify the deposit the same day. This is useful if you’re visiting or live nearby. The kiosk does not give change, so bring exact amounts if paying with cash. Staff are available during business hours if you need help. The kiosk is located just inside the main entrance at 300 North Rachal, Sinton, TX.
Mail Deposits: Use Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks
For those who don’t use digital payments, mail is still an option. Only send postal money orders or bank cashier’s checks. Write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the memo line. Address the envelope to:
San Patricio County Jail
Finance Department
300 North Rachal
Sinton, TX 78387
Do not include cash, personal checks, or gift cards. These will be returned or rejected. Mail can take 3–5 business days to arrive and process. Once received, the finance team adds the funds within 24 hours. You won’t get a confirmation unless you include a return address and request one. This method is best for one‑time or occasional deposits.
Inmate Account Security and Nightly Audits
Every deposit method is monitored for accuracy. Each night, the jail runs an audit to match payments with inmate accounts. This prevents errors like sending money to the wrong person. If a mistake happens, contact the finance department at 361‑364‑9630 ext. 9645. They can trace the transaction and fix it quickly.
All systems use encryption and secure login steps. Personal data is never shared with third parties except for payment processing. The jail follows Texas state laws on inmate financial rights. Inmates receive a weekly statement showing their balance and purchases. Families can also check balances online using the inmate’s ID.
How to Find an Inmate at San Patricio County Jail
Before sending money, make sure the person is still in custody. The jail roster updates every four hours on the Sheriff’s website. You can search by name, booking number, or charge type. Each entry shows the booking date, alleged offense, bond amount, and expected release date. Some listings include a photo.
For real‑time help, call 361‑364‑2251 and ask for “Inmate Information.” Staff can confirm if someone is booked and give their housing unit. You can also email the jail, but responses may take 24 hours. The roster is public record, so anyone can view it. Keep the booking number handy—it’s needed for all deposit methods.
Visitation Rules and Schedules
Visits happen twice a week based on last names. On Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., inmates with surnames A–K receive visitors. On Thursdays during the same hours, it’s for L–Z. Each visit lasts up to 30 minutes. Only people on the approved list may attend.
All visitors must show a government‑issued photo ID. No phones, cameras, or electronics are allowed inside. Minors under 17 must be with a parent or legal guardian who is on the list. Dress code rules ban gang colors, hats, and revealing clothes. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Late arrivals may miss their slot.
Inmate Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates make outgoing calls through Securus Technologies. Families can set up prepaid accounts online or by phone. Local calls cost $0.15 per minute. Interstate calls are $2.50 per minute. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls for security reasons.
New inmates must complete a 72‑hour orientation before using the phone. They learn rules like no three‑way calls or recording. Account holders get monthly statements. If funds run low, calls stop until more money is added. The jail announced this service on January 4, 2023. It replaced older systems for better reliability.
Jail Location and Contact Information
The San Patricio County Jail is at 300 North Rachal, Sinton, TX 78387. The main phone number is 361‑364‑9630. Use extension 9642 for booking questions or 9645 for finance and commissary. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, only emergencies are handled.
Major E. Balderas oversees daily operations. Jail Captain Del Olmos manages staff and programs. For written requests like property releases or medical forms, use the address above. The county website has downloadable PDFs for common needs. Always include the inmate’s full name and booking number.
Commissary Purchases and Spending Limits
Inmates can buy snacks, soap, toothpaste, stationery, and stamps from the commissary. Prices are set by the vendor and may change weekly. Each inmate gets a spending limit, usually around $100 per week. This prevents overspending and ensures fairness.
Funds must be in the account before purchases. Orders are placed once a week, typically on Wednesdays. Items arrive within two days. If an inmate has no money, they still get basic hygiene supplies from the jail. Families can’t buy items directly—only add funds to the account.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Money
Don’t send cash through the mail. It can get lost or stolen. Avoid using personal checks—they’re not accepted. Always double‑check the inmate’s name and booking number. Typos cause delays. If you use the kiosk, don’t leave without your receipt.
Don’t call the main jail line for deposit help. Use 866‑345‑1884 for phone payments. Online, only use the official Access Corrections site. Fake sites may steal your card info. If a deposit doesn’t show up in 24 hours, contact the finance department—not the inmate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money if the inmate is in another facility?
No. Only inmates currently housed at San Patricio County Jail can receive commissary funds. If they’re transferred, contact the new facility for their rules. Funds don’t move automatically.
Are there fees for deposits?
Yes. Online and phone deposits may have small processing fees, usually under $3. Kiosk and mail deposits have no extra charge. Fees are disclosed before payment.
How long does mail take to process?
Mail takes 3–5 business days to arrive and another day to process. For faster service, use online, phone, or kiosk methods.
Can inmates buy anything with commissary money?
No. Only approved items like food, hygiene products, and writing supplies. No electronics, clothing, or luxury goods are sold.
What if I send money to the wrong person?
Contact the finance department immediately at 361‑364‑9630 ext. 9645. Provide your receipt and the correct inmate’s details. They’ll fix it within 48 hours.
Can I visit and deposit money on the same day?
Yes. Use the lobby kiosk before or after your visit. Just don’t bring electronics into the visitation area.
Is there a minimum deposit amount?
Most methods require at least $5. There’s no maximum, but large deposits may be flagged for review.
San Patricio County Jail
300 North Rachal, Sinton, TX 78387
Phone: 361‑364‑9630
Visitation: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
