Complete Surety Bond Cost Guide 2025
Understanding surety bond costs, pricing factors, and rates by credit score. Get accurate estimates for your specific bond type and situation.
Quick Cost Overview
Typical Surety Bond Costs:
Example Calculations:
$50,000 Bond, Good Credit:
$500 - $1,500 per year
$100,000 Bond, Fair Credit:
$2,000 - $5,000 per year
Factors That Affect Surety Bond Costs
Credit Score
Most significant factor affecting rates
0.5% - 15% of bond amount
Bond Amount
Higher amounts may get better rates
Varies by size and risk
Bond Type
License vs performance bonds vary
Risk-based pricing
Financial Strength
Assets, revenue, cash flow
Better rates for strong finances
Industry Risk
Construction bonds higher risk than notary bonds
Industry-specific rates
Experience
Track record in business
Minor discount for experience
Rates by Credit Score
750+ (Excellent)
Approval Rate: 99%
0.5% - 1.5%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $250-$750/year
700-749 (Good)
Approval Rate: 95%
1% - 3%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $500-$1,500/year
650-699 (Fair)
Approval Rate: 90%
2% - 5%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $1,000-$2,500/year
600-649 (Poor)
Approval Rate: 85%
4% - 10%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $2,000-$5,000/year
Below 600 (Bad)
Approval Rate: 75%
5% - 15%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $2,500-$7,500/year
Note: Credit scores below 600 may require additional collateral or co-signers. However, 99% of applicants can get approved through specialized programs.
Costs by Bond Type
| Bond Type | Typical Cost | Range | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notary Bond | $50-$100 | $25-$150 | $5,000-$15,000 | Fixed rates, no credit check |
| Contractor License Bond | $150-$500 | $100-$1,500 | $10,000-$50,000 | Credit score dependent |
| Auto Dealer Bond | $500-$2,500 | $250-$7,500 | $25,000-$100,000 | Higher risk industry |
| Performance Bond | 1%-3% | 0.5%-5% | Project value | Complex underwriting |
| Freight Broker Bond | $2,250-$11,250 | $1,125-$22,500 | $75,000 | Federal requirement |
Ways to Reduce Bond Costs
✅ Improve Your Credit Score
Even a 50-point credit improvement can reduce rates by 1-2%. Pay down debt, pay bills on time, and check for errors.
✅ Shop Multiple Providers
Rates vary significantly between companies. Get quotes from 3-5 providers to compare pricing.
✅ Consider Multi-Year Terms
Some bonds offer discounts for 2-3 year terms, saving 10-20% on annual premiums.
✅ Bundle Multiple Bonds
If you need multiple bonds, bundling with one provider often provides volume discounts.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Get Your Exact Bond Cost
Use our calculator for instant, accurate pricing based on your specific situation.