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Last Updated:|Reflects current performance and payment bond requirements
2026 Requirements Verified
Best Value - One Premium, Both Bonds

Performance &Payment Bonds

Get both bonds for one premium. Miller Act compliant for federal contracts over $150,000. The smart choice for construction contractors. You pay nothing until your bond is issued and delivered.

0.5%
Starting Rate
1 Premium
Both Bonds
24-48hr
Approval
$14M+
Contract Size

Get Your P&P Bond Quote

One premium covers both bonds

📋 Get Your Performance Bond Quote

Fast approval • Competitive rates

Pay only after your bond is issued • No obligation • 2 minutes

Fast approvalTreasury-certified carriersAll 50 states
Treasury Listed
SBA Approved
24-48hr Approval
Miller Act Compliant
No Charge Until Issued

Learn more about each bond individually: performance bonds | payment bonds

Why Combined P&P Bonds Are the Industry Standard

On virtually every public construction project requiring bonding, both performance and payment bonds are mandatory. The federal Miller Act requires both for contracts over $150,000, and state Little Miller Acts follow suit. Rather than pricing each bond separately, the surety industry issues them as a package with a single premium—making combined P&P bonds the most cost-effective way to meet bonding requirements.

When you purchase P&P bonds, most sureties also include bid bonds at no additional cost. This means a single bonding relationship covers the entire three-bond sequence required for competitive public bidding. For a full breakdown of what you'll pay, use our surety bond cost guide or the bond cost calculator.

P&P Bond Pricing

One premium for both bonds - rates vary by credit and contract size

Excellent (750+)
0.5%-1.5%
$5K-$15K on $1M
Good (700-749)
1.5%-2%
$15K-$20K on $1M
Fair (650-699)
2%-2.5%
$20K-$25K on $1M
Poor (<650)
2.5%-3%+
$25K-$30K+ on $1M

Best Value in Construction Bonding

Pay one premium and get both performance AND payment bonds. No separate charges. See full cost breakdown.

When P&P Bonds Are Required

Federal Miller Act and state "Little Miller Acts" mandate bonding. Learn more in our Miller Act requirements guide.

Federal Miller Act

Contract Threshold$150,000+
Performance Bond100% of contract
Payment Bond100% of contract
Surety RequirementTreasury-listed

State Little Miller Acts

Arizona$0 (all)
California$25,000
Texas$25,000
Washington$35,000
Colorado$150,000
Florida$200,000

Many states also require contractor license bonds as a prerequisite for bidding on public work. For a full guide to getting bonded, see how to get a surety bond.

Approval Timeline

Fast approval for most contract sizes

Under $250K
24-48 hours
$250K-$750K
2-5 days
$750K-$1.5M
5-7 days
Over $1.5M
7-14 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about P&P bonds

What are payment and performance bonds?

Payment and performance bonds (P&P bonds) are two surety bonds required together on most public construction projects. The performance bond guarantees project completion. The payment bond guarantees subcontractors and suppliers get paid. They're issued together for a single premium.

How much does a combined P&P bond cost?

Combined payment and performance bond cost typically ranges from 0.5% to 3% of contract value. You pay one premium for both bonds. For a $1 million contract with good credit, expect $10,000-$20,000 total.

When are P&P bonds required?

Required on federal contracts over $150,000 under the Miller Act, state/local contracts per Little Miller Acts, and many private projects at owner's discretion. Usually paired with bid bonds.

Do I pay separately for performance and payment bonds?

No. Payment and performance bonds are issued together for a single combined premium. The cost is identical whether you need one bond or both.

How long does approval take?

Bonds under $250K can be approved in 24-48 hours. Bonds $250K-$750K take 2-5 business days. Larger bonds requiring full underwriting take 5-14 business days.

What is the difference between a performance bond and a payment bond?

A performance bond guarantees the contractor will complete the project according to contract specifications. A payment bond guarantees subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers will be paid. Performance bonds protect the project owner; payment bonds protect downstream workers. Both are required on most public projects and are issued together for a single premium.

Can I get P&P bonds with bad credit?

Yes, contractors with lower credit scores can still obtain P&P bonds, though at higher premium rates (typically 2.5%-5%+ of contract value). The SBA Bond Guarantee Program can help newer or credit-challenged contractors access bonding by guaranteeing up to 90% of the surety's loss. Strong project experience, good financials, and an established work history can offset credit challenges.
Nick Thoroughman
Reviewed by Nick Thoroughman, Founder
8+ years in surety bond technology. All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov) and reviewed for accuracy before publication. BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-certified, A- minimum rated surety carriers serving all 50 states.
No Payment Until Your Bonds Are Delivered

Ready to Get Your P&P Bonds?

Get both performance and payment bonds for a single premium. Fast approval for federal and state construction projects up to $14M. You never pay until your bonds are issued and in hand.

Treasury Listed
24-48hr Approval
Rates from 0.5%