Surety bond cost in 2026
Surety bond costs $250 to $5,000 per year for a $50,000 bond in 2026, and most people pay about $1,000.
What moves the price
- The bond amount sets the base for the premium.
- Credit score is the biggest factor, and scores above 650 get better rates.
- The type of bond changes the rate.
- Business history and finances matter.
- Some bonds have a minimum premium.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The premium usually covers the bond for one term, often one year. Court bonds may have a minimum fee, such as $100 or $250. License, filing and renewal fees are usually extra.
Premium examples
| Bond | Premium |
|---|---|
| $20,000 bond | $100 to $2,000 per year |
| $50,000 bond | $250 to $5,000 per year |
| $50,000 injunction bond at 2% | $1,000 |
| $10,000 cost bond at 1% | $100 |
| $1 million contract, performance and payment bonds, 1% to 3% | $10,000 to $30,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: James Moore.
Rates as a percent of the bond amount
| Case | Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall range | 0.5% to 10% or more |
| Good credit | About 1% to 3% |
| Court plaintiff, cost or defendant bonds | About 1% to 2% |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: James Moore.
Ways to pay less
- Improve credit before applying, since scores above 700 often get the best rates.
- Ask more than one surety company for a quote.
- Ask for the lowest bond amount the rule allows.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- James Moore: How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost?
- Jurisco: How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost?
- Palmetto Surety: Quick Answer about Surety Bond Costs
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Surety bond costs $250 to $5,000 per year for a $50,000 bond in 2026, and most people pay about $1,000. Most people pay about $1,000 per year for a $50,000 bond. The low end is $250 and the high end is $5,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The bond amount sets the base for the premium; Credit score is the biggest factor, and scores above 650 get better rates; The type of bond changes the rate.
How can I pay less?
Improve credit before applying, since scores above 700 often get the best rates. Ask more than one surety company for a quote. Ask for the lowest bond amount the rule allows.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: James Moore, Jurisco, Palmetto Surety. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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