Texas Third-Party Debt Collector Bond
Texas requires third-party debt collectors to obtain a $10,000 surety bond before they collect, with a copy filed with the Texas Secretary of State (Finance Code 392.101). If you collect from Texas consumers, you likely need it, whether your agency is in Texas or out of state. Tell us about your agency and we will send a quote. You pay only when your bond is issued.
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All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
- Who requires it: Third-party debt collectors and credit bureaus, under Texas Finance Code 392.101, with a copy filed with the Secretary of State.
- Amount: $10,000, the most the surety pays to all claimants combined (Fin. Code 392.101(c)).
- Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
What the Texas debt collector bond is
Finance Code 392.101 says a third-party debt collector or credit bureau may not engage in debt collection unless it has obtained a surety bond from a surety company authorized to do business in Texas, with a copy filed with the Secretary of State.
The statute reaches beyond classic collection agencies. “Third-party debt collector” is defined by reference to the federal definition of “debt collector,” with an exclusion for attorneys collecting as attorneys. Credit bureaus, as defined in 392.001, are covered too.
Bond facts
| Item | Texas requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bond amount | $10,000 | Fin. Code 392.101(c) |
| Who must have it | Third-party debt collectors and credit bureaus | 392.101(a) |
| Filing | Copy of the bond filed with the Secretary of State | 392.101(a) |
| Surety | Company authorized to do business in Texas | 392.101(a) |
| Protects | Any person damaged by a violation of Chapter 392, and the State for their benefit | 392.101(b) |
| Claims | Total surety liability to all claimants is capped at the bond amount | 392.102 |
Source: Texas Finance Code Chapter 392, 392.001, 392.101, 392.102 (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).
How a Texas debt collector bond works
- The principal is your agency.
- The bond protects consumers damaged by a Chapter 392 violation, and the State of Texas for their benefit.
- The surety backs the bond. If it pays a valid claim, it will expect you to reimburse it.
- The $10,000 is the most the surety pays to all claimants combined. It is not your cost.
What it costs (estimate only)
Your cost is a premium. The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price, based on your credit and business profile.
How to get your bond
- Request a quote. Complete the short form above.
- Approve your price. We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. Pay only when your bond is issued.
- File with the Secretary of State. The statute requires a copy of the bond to be filed there. Keep a copy.
Who likely needs one
- Collection agencies that contact Texas consumers.
- Out-of-state agencies collecting from Texas consumers; confirm with counsel.
- Debt buyers, depending on whether they fall within the federal “debt collector” definition.
- Credit bureaus, per the statute text.
Collecting in more states? See the state-by-state collection agency bond guide and other Texas surety bonds.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Texas third-party debt collector bond?
The bond amount is $10,000 (Fin. Code 392.101(c)). Your cost is a premium, a fraction of that amount. Request a quote for your price.
Who is the bond filed with?
A copy of the bond is filed with the Texas Secretary of State (392.101(a)).
Is a Texas collection agency bond the same as a debt collector bond?
Yes, in practice. The statute calls it a bond for third-party debt collectors and credit bureaus. “Collection agency bond” is the everyday name.
Do I need it if my agency is outside Texas?
If you collect from Texas consumers, you likely need this bond. The statute does not say so expressly, so confirm with counsel.
Who can make a claim on the bond?
Any person damaged by a violation of Chapter 392, and the State for their benefit (392.101(b)). The surety’s total liability to all claimants cannot exceed the bond amount (392.102).
When do I pay?
Pay only when your bond is issued.
Can you bond a multi-state agency?
Yes. Each state sets its own bond, so a multi-state agency holds a separate bond per state. List each state when you request a quote.
Get your Texas debt collector bond quote
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.
Get my quotePrefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.