Getting Bonded With Bad Credit

At SuretyBonds.com, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to get the surety bonds they need. With our bad credit bonding program, we approve 99% of applicants regardless of credit status or financial history.

Continue reading to learn how you can get a surety bond with poor credit. 

Understanding Instant Issue vs Underwritten Bonds

To begin, it’s helpful to understand the difference between bonds that do and don’t require a credit check. 

Instant Issue Bonds: No Credit Check 

If your bond is available for instant purchase, you can get bonded regardless of credit score. Instant issue bonds are the same price for all applicants. Since there’s no underwriting process, you are automatically approved. 

Underwritten Bonds: Soft Credit Check 

If your bond requires underwriting, you’ll need to fill out a quote application before purchasing. Typically, a soft credit check determines your price rate and whether you need to provide any supporting documents before being approved.

surety bond application types

What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify for a Bond?

Poor credit won’t necessarily disqualify you for a bond. With our bad credit bonding options, SuretyBonds.com approves 99% of all applicants regardless of credit score. 

However, results will vary based on the available surety markets as well as your specific bond type. For example, contractors need a 700+ credit score for most construction bonds. 

How Do I Get a Bad Credit Surety Bond?

We treat all applicants the same, regardless of credit history. In some cases, we may need extra information before we can approve your bond application. 

To get bonded with bad credit, call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with one of our experts or fill out an online quote request form now. 

Get a Quote!

Secure | No Obligation | Takes 2 Minutes

How Much Will My Bad Credit Bond Cost? 

Poor credit can adversely affect your surety bond cost. However, we’ll work with the top sureties across the nation to match you with the best available price on the market. 

An excellent credit score of 675+ will qualify you for the best market rates for the majority of bond types. This means you’ll pay 0.5–3% in most instances. If your credit is average, rates tend to fluctuate between 3–5%, while poor credit bonds are often in the 5–10% price range. 

Bad credit bond premiums vary greatly by bond type and location. Visit our Surety Bond Cost FAQ page to estimate your bond premium based on your credit score and bond coverage needs. 

Can I Finance a Bad Credit Bond? 

If bad credit makes your bond premium unaffordable, a premium financing plan can break it up into more manageable payments over time. Learn more about which bonds qualify for premium financing

Will My Bond Renewal Be Cheaper If My Credit Improves? 

Yes, if your financial records significantly improve from your initial application, underwriters will review your bond and offer a lower premium if available. Most bonds renew annually, giving you a chance to improve your rate during the renewal period every year. 

What If My Bond Application Is Denied?

If you have very low credit, a history of bankruptcies, or outstanding payments on your financial records, your surety bond application could be denied. Your surety company should provide justification for the decision, such as low credit, a criminal background, lack of industry experience, or a tarnished financial record. 

In some instances, you can counter with additional financial information or proof of removed liens, collections, or debts. Similarly, if you receive a high quote, you can try submitting more financial information to improve your rate.

Get Your Bad Credit Bond Quote 

Ready to get your personalized quote? Just select your state, find your bond type, and get an absolutely free quote. It’s that simple!

Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert