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What Is a California Credit Services Organization Bond?
If you’d like to operate a credit services organizations in California, you will need to get a Certificate of Registration from the state Department of Justice. To meet the licensing requirements, you will have to post a credit services organization bond.
The bond is a security instrument whose purpose is to protect the state and your customers. It is there to provide a financial compensation to harmed parties in case you transgress from your legal obligations in your capacity as a credit services provider.
Your California surety bond works like a three-party contractual agreement. Your credit services organization is the principal that is required to get bonded. The California Department of Justice is the obligee which imposes the requirement. Last but not least, the surety is the entity that bonds your business.
Questions about Credit Services Organization Bonds in California
Who has to obtain such a bond?
Any person or entity engaging in credit services providing has to get a Certificate of Registration in order to operate legally in California. Together with a completed application form, credit services organizations need to provide to the Department of Justice a bond in the amount of $100,000. You have to use the official bond form.
The bond guarantees your compliance with the California Credit Services Act of 1984, as well as the state Civil Code.
How much does it cost to get bonded?
The bond requirement for California credit services organizations is $100,000. In order to obtain a bond, you have to cover only a percentage of this bond amount. It is referred to as the bond premium and is typically between 0.75% to 2.5% for applicants with solid finances.
Surety bond name | Surety bond amount | Above 700 | Between 650-699 | Between 600-649 | Below 599 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
California credit services organization bond | $100,000 | $750-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,500 | $2,500-$5,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
There are a number of factors that are considered in the formulation of your surety bond cost. The surety you apply with has to examine your personal credit score, business finances, any assets and liquidity you may have, and your professional experience. On this basis, it can judge the level of risk associated in the bonding.
What if I have bad credit?
Lance Surety Bonds has a special Bad Credit Surety Bonds program for applicants struggling with low credit scores, tax liens, bankruptcies, or civil judgements. You can still get the bond you need, even with problematic finances.
The bond rates you can expect are in the range of 5% to 10%. They compensate for the increased risk of getting you bonded. Our partnerships with numerous A-rated, T-listed surety companies, however, guarantee that we can still offer you a top bond price.
How Do I Get Bonded?
For further information on how bonding works, our How to Get Bonded page offers a thorough overview. If you have more questions, just call us at (877) 514-5146. Lance Surety Bonds’ specialists are here to assist you.
How are bond claims handled for credit services organizations?
Credit services organization bonds protect your customers and the state rather than your business. If you fail to follow the law, you may get a bond claim from a harmed party. They can seek a reimbursement up to the bond amount, which is $100,000 in this case.
Some situations that can lead to a claim include failing to provide services within a six-month period from contract signing, mishandling of consumer information, changing buyers’ information for fraudulent purposes, and the like. If the claim is proven, you will have to compensate the claimant. At first, it may be your surety that takes over the cost, but you have to repay them fully. That’s why bond claims are to be avoided as much as possible.
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Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!
Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!