The Express program: surety bonds on credit alone, up to $3M

Not every contract bond needs a full CPA financial statement and a deep underwriting file. For credit-qualified accounts — up to $3,000,000 on contract bonds and $1.5M–$2M on subdivision — surety markets offer credit-based 'Express' programs that qualify you primarily on the owner's personal credit, dramatically faster and with far less paperwork. No CPA statements, no WIP schedule, no bank letters.

Who it fits

• Contractors — bid, performance & payment bonds up to $3,000,000 single and aggregate, without audited financials.
• Builders, developers, and property owners — subdivision and site-improvement bonds up to $1.5M–$2M.
• Established contractors who want a job bonded quickly without a full program review.
• Owners with solid personal credit and a clean history.

What role does credit score play?

Personal credit of the owners is the primary underwriting variable, and the meaningful thresholds in the surety market sit around 650 and 675. Roughly: 675 and above is squarely in Express territory; 650–674 can often still be placed, depending on the carrier and the bond; below 650 usually means the standard underwritten program instead — which is a different path, not a dead end. Strong credit at 720+ can unlock higher tiers and better terms.

What you'll need

Usually just our two-minute Express application — your contact information, the bond type and approximate amount, and your estimated credit range — plus the bond form and contract amount when you have them. There's typically no requirement for CPA-prepared statements or a detailed WIP at this level, which is what makes the turnaround so fast — often same day.

When you outgrow it

Express has a ceiling: roughly $3,000,000 single and aggregate for contract bonds (and $1.5M–$2M for subdivision), for credit-qualified applicants. When your jobs grow past it, you move into a standard contract surety program with full underwriting — but you don't start from zero. We use the relationship and history you've already built to establish your single and aggregate limits.

Ready to see if you qualify? Complete the two-minute Express application at suretybondusa.com/bond-express — we'll confirm your eligibility, typically within one business hour.