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Get a quoteHow Much Does a Surety Bond Cost?
How much are surety bonds? Surety bond cost is a percentage of the bond amount, paid once per term: roughly 0.5%–3% per year with good credit and up to 10%–15% with weak credit. Use the surety bond cost calculator for a bond-specific estimate, or see the rate tables below by credit tier and bond amount. If price is the priority, see what actually makes a cheap surety bond.
- Typical cost (estimate): about 0.5%-3% of the bond amount per year with good credit (700+), 2-5% with fair credit and 5-15% with poor credit. On a $50,000 bond with good credit that is $250 - $1,500 per year. The surety sets the final price.
- What drives the price: credit score first, then bond amount, bond type, financial strength, industry risk and experience.
- Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.
Quick Cost Overview
Typical Surety Bond Costs:
Example Calculations:
$50,000 Bond, Good Credit:
$250 - $1,500 per year
$100,000 Bond, Fair Credit:
$2,000 - $5,000 per year
Cost by Bond Amount
Rate tables, credit-tier examples and common bond types for each amount:
Costs vary widely by bond category. For detailed pricing on specific types, see our dedicated cost pages: auto dealer bond costs, contractor license bond costs, notary bond costs, performance bond costs, bid bond costs, freight broker bond costs, and court bond costs. If you already know your bond type, get a free quote for exact pricing.
What a $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 Surety Bond Costs
The bond amount is the coverage limit, not what you pay. Your cost is the annual premium: the bond amount multiplied by your rate. The table applies the good-credit range (0.5%–3%) and the challenged-credit range (3%–10%) used throughout this guide.
| Bond Amount | Good Credit (700+): 0.5%–3% | Challenged Credit: 3%–10% |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 surety bond cost | $50 - $300 per year | $300 - $1,000 per year |
| $25,000 surety bond cost | $125 - $750 per year | $750 - $2,500 per year |
| $50,000 surety bond cost | $250 - $1,500 per year | $1,500 - $5,000 per year |
| $100,000 surety bond cost | $500 - $3,000 per year | $3,000 - $10,000 per year |
These are typical estimates, not quotes: the carrier sets the final price after reviewing your credit, the bond type and your business. Small bonds often carry a minimum premium, so a $10,000 bond at the lowest rate may still cost around $100, and the weakest credit files can price above 10%. Fixed-rate bonds such as notary bonds do not follow this table. For a bond-specific estimate, use the surety bond calculator.
Factors That Affect Surety Bond Costs
Credit Score
High ImpactMost significant factor affecting rates
0.5% - 15% of bond amount
Bond Amount
High ImpactHigher amounts may get better rates
Varies by size and risk
Bond Type
Medium ImpactLicense bonds vs performance bonds vary significantly
Risk-based pricing
Financial Strength
Medium ImpactAssets, revenue, cash flow
Better rates for strong finances
Industry Risk
Medium ImpactConstruction bonds higher risk than notary bonds
Industry-specific rates
Experience
Low ImpactTrack record in business
Minor discount for experience
Surety Bond Rates by Credit Score
750+ (Excellent)
Typical market: Standard markets
0.5% - 1.5%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $250-$750/year
700-749 (Good)
Typical market: Standard markets
1% - 3%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $500-$1,500/year
650-699 (Fair)
Typical market: Standard markets
2% - 5%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $1,000-$2,500/year
600-649 (Poor)
Typical market: Specialty markets
4% - 10%
of bond amount
$50K bond: $2,000-$5,000/year
Below 600 (Bad)
Typical market: High-risk programs
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, many applicants with credit challenges can still be bonded through specialized high-risk programs, usually at a higher premium. Learn more in our step-by-step guide to getting a surety bond.
Surety Bond Prices by Bond Type
| Bond Type | Typical Cost | Range | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notary Bond | $50-$100 | $25-$150 | $500-$50,000 | Fixed rates, many notary bonds don’t require a 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 |
Each bond type carries unique underwriting criteria that affect pricing. Performance bonds require the most rigorous financial review because premiums scale with project value. Contractor license bonds and auto dealer bonds are credit-driven — if your credit is weak, see how approval and pricing work for surety bonds with bad credit. Notary bonds are among the most affordable, often issued at a flat rate, and many notary bonds don’t require a credit check. Freight broker bonds are fixed at $75,000 by FMCSA, making the premium entirely credit-dependent. Browse all options on our complete bond types directory. Bidding on a contract? The bid bond cost calculator shows the penal sum and an estimated premium from your bid amount.
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 — then capture the lower rate at your next surety bond renewal, when carriers re-underwrite your file.
✅ 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get bonded?
How much does a $50,000 surety bond cost?
How much does a $100,000 surety bond cost?
How much does a $75,000 surety bond cost?
What is the average cost of a surety bond?
Why is my surety bond quote higher than the standard rate?
Related Reading
What Is a Surety Bond?
Understand how bonds work before comparing costs.
Types of Surety Bonds
Each bond type has different pricing — find yours.
Bond vs Insurance Costs
How bond premiums compare to insurance premiums.
What Happens When a Claim Is Filed?
Understand the claims process and how it affects your bond cost.
Get Your Exact Bond Cost
Use our calculator for a quick estimate based on your specific situation. BuySuretyBonds.com connects you with Treasury-listed carriers and gets quotes from them for you.
Stop Estimating — Get Your Actual Quote
You've seen how credit score, bond type, and amount all move the needle. Now skip the ranges and get the real number for your specific situation. Our form takes two minutes and connects you with Treasury-listed carriers competing for your business.
Want to run the numbers first? Try our surety bond calculator for a quick premium estimate before you apply.
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