California Credit Services Organization Bond
SECURE
Backed by SSL, our online bonding process is secure. We are committed to your privacy.
BEST PRICES
We shop the top surety markets to find you the best rate.
FAST
We’ve streamlined the bonding process to make your experience as fast and easy as possible.
How much does a California credit services organization bond cost?
California credit services organization bond costs start at $1,500 for the state-required 2-year-term. Your personal invoice will be provided after a quick application review and will cover your full 2-year California surety bond term as required by the state.
How can you get a credit services organization bond in California?
You can apply for your California credit services organization bond online 24/7. You'll need to provide the following information for Secretary of State filing approval.
- company name
- business address
- all owner/officer names
- fidelity insurance information
Once your order has been processed, you'll receive your official credit service organization bond by email.
How fast can I get a credit service organization bond?
Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official California credit services organization bond faster than any other surety company. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically issued with same-day emailed bond delivery.
If you have questions about the California credit services organization bond or your application, call 1(800)308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert. We're here to guide you through CSO bonding so you can get back to running your business.
What is a California credit services organization bond?
California Civil Code Division 3 Part 4 Title 1.6E Section 1789.18 requires credit services organizations file a $100,000 surety bond before conducting business in the state. The state's official form is titled “Surety Bond Credit Services Organization (Civil Code Section 1789.70 et seq.)” but is more commonly known as the “credit services organization bond” or “credit service bond.” This California surety bond specifically benefits any person damaged by any violation of California Civil Code Title 1.6E committed by credit service organizations.
What does a California credit services organization bond protect against?
When credit services organizations file this bond, they agree to comply with California Civil Code. If they fail to do so, their issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to their full $100,000 bond amount, which the CSO must reimburse.
Who needs a California credit services surety bond?
All credit services organizations must purchase and file this surety bond to register their business with the state of California. Credit service organizations are not authorized to conduct business in California until their business registration and surety bond filing have been approved by the state.
Who requires me to have a California credit services organization bond?
The California Department of Justice enforces licensing requirements for credit services organizations in the state. The surety bond form, however, is to be filed with the California Secretary of State along with a $30 bond filing fee.
California Secretary of State
P.O. Box 942870
Sacramento, CA 94277
If you have questions about your credit services organization registration, the state advises you email the DOJ at [email protected].
The California Department of Justice requires this bond for state credit service organization licensing. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation requires a separate California finance lender and finance broker bond for state finance lender and broker licensing.
How do I update or change my credit services organization bond form?
If the California Secretary of State requires your bond form to be updated for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating your business name or address to match your state registration.
How do I renew my credit services organization surety bond?
You must renew your credit services organization bond before its current 2-year-term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, instructions will be provided to keep your bond active for its next 2-year term.
How do credit service organizations apply for registration in California?
Learn How to get a California Credit Services Organization License by reviewing our comprehensive guide.
Complete the steps below to apply for your California credit service organization registration.
- Complete your California Credit Services Organization Registration Application (JUS 8906).
- Provide a copy of your contract.
- Supply a completed information statement.
- Provide a notice of cancellation.
- Provide copies of all advertisements and required sales script and materials.
- Upload a financial statement from the last 3 months.
- Pay your $100 filing fee.
- Purchase and file your $100,000 California surety bond with $30 bond filing fee.
The official California Credit Services Organization Registration Application advises that you mail your completed original application to the following address.
Department of Justice
Attorney General's Office
Attn: Credit Services Organization Registration
600 West Broadway, Suite 1800
San Diego, CA 92101
What can businesses do to avoid claims against the California credit service organization bond?
Credit service organizations can avoid claims against their bond by complying with California Civil Code. Organizations that provide credit repair services in compliance with state law shouldn't have to worry about claims filed on their bond. Remember, if you fail to comply with California Civil Code, your issuing surety company will pay valid claims to the state or harmed individuals up to your full $100,000 surety bond amount, which you must reimburse.
Additional Resources
California Credit Services Organization Bond (Form SFSB-411)
Have Questions?
Call 1 (800) 308-4358 to talk with a Surety Expert today.
