Texas Debt Management Services Bond

How much does a debt management services bond cost in Texas?

The Texas Consumer Credit Commissioner requires all entities offering consumer debt services to post a surety bond. The required bond amount varies according to whether the service provider is in control of consumer money to be disbursed to creditors. If the provider does not hold consumer money, the bond amount is $50,000. If the provider does have control over consumer money, the bond amount is equal to the average balance in the provider’s trust account for the preceding six months. If the provider has not conducted business for six months, the initial bond amount is determined by the Commissioner, but it can’t be less than $25,000 or greater than $100,000.

The cost of this particular bond is subject to underwriting, which means that the price you’ll pay is based on your required bond amount and a review of your credit report. Because the amount and cost of this bond vary so much, we suggest filling out our bond request forms to receive your free quote!

Why do I need this bond?

Consumer debt management services bonds in Texas ensure that principals (debt management services) conduct business lawfully and ethically. Specifically, this bond prohibits principals from engaging in any of the following activities:

• purchasing debts of consumers
• receiving payment in any other form than a check or draft
• providing credit to a consumer
• obtaining a mortgage from a consumer
• offering compensation to a consumer for entering into a debt management agreement
• engaging in unfair or deceptive consumer debt management practices
• requiring payment of an amount that the provider advertises to be a voluntary contribution

For a comprehensive list of prohibited acts for debt management providers, read Chapter 394 of the Texas Finance Code.

If the principal violates any of the terms of the bond agreement and consumers are harmed, the surety will cover all damages up to the full bond amount. The principal, in turn, must compensate the surety for any damages paid out.

Receive your free, personalized bond quote within 1 business day.

What’s the fine print?

Texas debt management services bonds remain in effect for the registration period in which they were issued and automatically renew for each succeeding registration period. If the surety decides to cancel the bond, written notice of cancellation must be given to the commissioner at least 30 days prior to the effective termination date.

How to become a debt management service provider in Texas

Debt management service providers must register with the OCCC before they can legally conduct business. To be eligible for registration, applicants must submit a registration application with the following information included and materials attached:

• registration fee
• surety bond
• applicant’s name, business address, telephone number, email, and other business addresses in Texas
• address for each location where the applicant will conduct debt management services in Texas
• name and address of each person that holds a 10% ownership in the applicant

Registrations expire December 31 of the year they’re issued. Applicants must renew their registration annually and pay renewal fees to continue legally conducting business in Texas.

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Additional Resources

Application for Registration of Debt Management Services Provider

Texas Finance Code: Chapter 394

Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner