Bonds
Surety Bonds, made simple.
Pick the bond category that fits your obligation. Get a quote in minutes for small bonds, in days for large commercial work.
Contract Bonds
Performance, payment, and project-specific bonds for contractors and obligees on public and private work.
- Payment & Performance
Payment and performance bonds guarantee a contractor will complete a project per contract terms and pay subcontractors and suppliers.
- Construction
Construction bonds cover bid, performance, payment, maintenance, and supply guarantees for builders working on public and private jobs.
- Remittance
Remittance bonds guarantee that a party collecting funds on behalf of a state or municipality will remit them on the schedule the obligee requires.
Fidelity Bonds
Employee dishonesty coverage protecting businesses, plan sponsors, and clients against employee theft and fraud.
- ERISA
ERISA fidelity bonds protect employee benefit plans against losses from fraud or dishonesty by anyone who handles plan funds or property.
- Business Services
Business services fidelity bonds (also called employee dishonesty or commercial crime bonds) protect a business against theft by its own employees.
- Blanket
Blanket fidelity bonds cover all employees in a class (or all employees of a company) under a single bond, instead of naming individuals.
- Employee Dishonesty
Employee dishonesty bonds reimburse a business for direct losses from employee theft of money, securities, or other property.
NMLS Surety Bonds (ESB)
Electronic Surety Bonds (ESB) filed through NMLS for mortgage licensees in every state that participates.
- Mortgage Banker
Mortgage banker bonds are NMLS-filed Electronic Surety Bonds (ESBs) required of companies that originate and fund residential mortgage loans with their own capital.
- Mortgage Broker
Mortgage broker bonds (NMLS ESB) cover companies that arrange residential mortgage financing without lending their own funds.
- Mortgage Lender
Mortgage lender bonds (NMLS ESB) are required of entities that fund residential mortgage loans, regardless of whether they retain servicing.
- Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage loan originator (MLO) bonds are individual ESBs required of independent MLOs in states that require coverage at the individual licensee level.
- Mortgage Servicer
Mortgage servicer bonds (NMLS ESB) cover companies that collect payments, manage escrow, and administer residential mortgage loans.
Additional Bonds
License, court, public official, and notary bonds, plus the long tail of state-specific commercial bonds.
- Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjuster bonds guarantee that a licensed adjuster will follow state insurance law in adjusting claims.
- Public Official
Public official bonds guarantee that an elected or appointed public official will faithfully perform the duties of the office.
- Private
Private bonds are commercial surety bonds posted to satisfy a private party (not a government obligee), such as a landlord, franchisor, or counterparty.
- Court
Court bonds (judicial and probate) guarantee performance of an obligation imposed by a court, such as an appeal, injunction, or fiduciary appointment.
- Debt Collector
Debt collector bonds guarantee that a licensed collection agency will follow state collection law and remit collected funds to clients.
- Credit Service Organization
Credit service organization (CSO) bonds guarantee that a CSO will perform contracted services and return prepaid fees if it fails to do so.
- Money Transmitter BondBond, not License
The money transmitter bond is the surety bond posted as a condition of an MSB or money transmitter license. It is the bond that backstops a transmitter's obligations to consumers and the state. It is NOT the same as the money transmitter license itself, which Cornerstone Licensing handles on the Licensing side.
- Notary
Notary bonds protect the public against errors or misconduct by a commissioned notary public. Required to obtain or renew a notary commission in most states.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast can I get a surety bond?
- Most notary, license, and fidelity bonds issue same day from a short application. Performance and large commercial bonds typically take 1 to 3 business days once we have your underwriting package.
- Do I need good credit for a surety bond?
- For most license and permit bonds, yes. Standard market pricing (1 to 3 percent of bond amount) needs a personal credit score above 650. Substandard credit and bad-credit programs are available at higher premiums.
- What is the difference between a surety bond and insurance?
- Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects the obligee (typically a state, court, or counterparty) from your failure to perform. If a claim is paid on your bond, you reimburse the surety.
- How are bond amounts set?
- Almost always by the obligee. State licensing bonds are set by statute or regulator rule, court bonds by court order, contract bonds usually at 100 percent of contract value.
- Can I get an instant quote online?
- Yes for most small commercial, notary, and ERISA bonds. Larger contract, court, and high-limit license bonds need an underwriting package and turn around in 1 to 3 business days.