California Credit Services Organization Surety Bond

The California Credit Services Organization Surety Bond is a type of surety bond and is required by the California Secretary of State for the registration of any Credit Service Organization in the state. The bond amount is $100,000 and the cost of the bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.

How to Get a California Credit Services Organization Surety Bond

One application for all states. At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the California Credit Services Organization Surety Bond will be shipped to the bond principal (applicant) to be turned into the Secretary of States office with the license application.
^{1-The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.} 

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Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003  and maintains an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau!

Visit our State  Guide of Bond Requirements for Credit Services / Credit Repair Businesses

What is a Credit Services Organization?

Credit Services Organizations (also known as credit repair services) do not provide credit. CSOs offer to obtain loans or extensions of credit for consumers who have experienced credit problems and attempt to correct or improve a consumers’ credit records. In California, registered CSOs can sell, provide, or perform (or promise) any of the following services:

• To improve a buyer’s credit record, history, or rating.
• To obtain a loan or other extension of credit for a buyer.
• To provide advice or assistance to a buyer with regard to either of the above.

Legal information and requirements can be found in the California Civil Code.

How do I register my Credit Services Organization?

To register your Credit Services Organization (CSO) in California, you must:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements. CSOs must be registered with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) before conducting business in the state. To be eligible for registration, you must:

   • Be a corporation, partnership, or trust.
   • Have a principal place of business in California.
   • Have a surety bond in the amount of $100,000.
   • Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving fraud, embezzlement, or dishonesty.

2. Complete and submit the CSO Registration Application. The application can be downloaded from the DOJ website. You must submit the following information:

   • Your business name and address.
   • The names and addresses of all owners and officers of your business.
   • A copy of your surety bond.
   • A copy of your business license or other business registration documents.
   • A $100 filing fee.

3. Have your application reviewed and approved by the DOJ. The DOJ will review your application and may request additional information. If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration.

Here is a more detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Obtain a California Credit Services Organization Surety Bond.  The bond must be in the amount of $100,000 and must be issued by a company that is licensed to do business in California.
2. File the CSO Registration Application with the DOJ.

   California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Affairs
   455 Capitol Mall, Suite 300
   Sacramento, CA 95814

   You can also submit the application electronically through the DOJ website.

3. Pay the $100 filing fee. You can pay the fee online or by mailing a check or money order to the address above.
4. Wait for the DOJ to review your application and issue a Certificate of Registration. The DOJ will typically review your application within 30 days of receiving it. If your application is approved, you will               receive a Certificate of Registration by mail.

Once you have received your Certificate of Registration, you can begin operating your CSO in California. You must renew your registration every two years.

Maintaining Registration

To maintain registration, the CSO must comply with the provisions of Title 1.6E (commencing with Section 1789.10), Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code of the State of California. This includes the following:

• Provide the buyer an information statement, before the contract for services is signed
• Maintain for 2 years a copy of the statement signed by the buyer and the acknowledgment of receipt of that statement
• Not provide any service to a buyer except pursuant to a written contract that complies with Civil Code Section 1789.16
• Complete the agreed services within six months after the date the buyer signs the contract for services
• Maintain an agent for service of process in this state
• A copy of the bond must be filed with the Secretary of State

Please note any certificate of registration will expire on the last day of the year, so it is important to renew your registration annually!