Pennsylvania Credit Services Organization Bond

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The Pennsylvania Credit Services Organization Bond is a type of surety bond. The surety bond is required by the Pennsylvania Department of State for all credit services organizations (CSOs) operating in the state. A CSO is any person who sells, provides, or performs any of the following services for a fee. CSOs are not required to be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State, but they are required to obtain a surety bond.

According to the Pennsylvania Credit Services Act, P.L. 1144, No. 150, a Credit Services Organization is a person who sells, provides, or performs any of the following services in exchange for payment:

• Improving a buyer’s credit record, history, or rating
• Obtaining an extension of credit for a buyer
• Providing advice or assistance to a buyer with regards either of the above services.

Under this definition, a loan broker is considered a credit services organization and must obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. A loan broker in the PA is defined as a person who:

• For or in expectation of a consideration fee arranges or attempts to arrange or offers to fund a loan of money, a credit card or line of credit for personal, family or household purposes.
• For or in expectation of a consideration fee assists or advises a borrower in obtaining or attempting to obtain a loan of money, a credit card, a line of credit or related guarantee, enhancement or collateral of any kind or nature.
• Acts for or on behalf of a loan broker for the purpose of soliciting borrowers.
• Holds himself out as a loan broker.

In order to conduct business in Pennsylvania and receive payments before the full completion of the services, all Credit Services Organizations must obtain a surety bond. The Pennsylvania Credit Services Organization Bond ensures the organization’s faithful compliance with the Pennsylvania Credit Services Act. Furthermore, the bond protects any person damaged by violation of said Act.

The required amount for the Pennsylvania Credit Services Organization Bond is equal to 5% of the total amount of the credit services fees charged to buyers during the previous 12 months. The bond cannot be less than $5,000 and no more than $25,000. The required amount must be adjusted annually.

Related Bonds:

• Pennsylvania Debt Management Services Bond
• Pennsylvania Debt Settlement Bond

How to Get a Pennsylvania Credit Services Organization Bond

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 Pennsylvania Credit Services Organization Bond will be shipped to the bond principal (licensee) for the required signature prior to submitting to the PA department of Banking. The cost of the bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum premium and fees of $150 to$250. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.} 

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.

Click Here to Visit our State by State guide to Credit Services Bonds.