Rhode Island Money Transmitter Bond

To obtain a money transmitter license, every state requires a surety bond. Depending on your state, this license may be called money remitter, money services business, check casher, or sales of check license.

Why Do I Need This Bond?

A surety bond is made to protect the public. In basic terms, it guarantees your business will adhere to all laws and requirements in your industry. In the event your business conducts unlawful acts, a consumer of your services may file a claim on the bond.

Nearly any company that offers payment services requires a money transmitter bond. Due to a history of fraudulence and inaccurate money transmissions, state agencies now require this bond to protect consumers. While this bond does not protect the business owner, it offers proof that your business handles clients’ money responsibly.

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

The cost of the bond, the “premium,” depends largely on the bond amount and the applicant’s financial status. The state requiring the bond determines the amount. At Surety 1, we will find you the lowest quote for your bond, starting at only 1.5% of the bond amount.

 

Money Transmitter Bond

In order to get your money transmitter’s business license, you’ll need a bond.

• Required by: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
• Minimum bond amount: $50,000
• Maximum bond amount: $150,000
• Valid: 1 year with expiration on December 31 of each year

An additional bond amount of $5,000 is added to each additional business location.

This bond ensures compliance with the laws of Chapter 19-14 of the Rhode Island General Laws along with other Rhode Island state laws.

The applicant should verify the bond amount with the obligee before applying for the bond to ensure the bond amount is correct.

 

Money Transmitter License

These are additional details about the licensing process that you should be aware of. (Only the bond is handled at Surety1, but this information will help you get your license.)

License Requirements:

• $180 application/investigation fee
• $20 filing fee
• $360 license fee
• $25 fee to execute power of attorney for each application
• At least $50,000 net worth
• Legal name of applicant
• Business address
• Surety bond
• Financial history of applicant
• Rhode Island Business Plan
• Names and addresses of each member or other form of business

All licensing fees are required by the obligee, not the surety company.

The license application can be filled out using an electronic system referred to as  NMLS. Although, for businesses that are not conducting multi-state businesses or do not want to use the electronic application system can also have access to other application forms.

Money transmitters in Rhode Island must also register as a money services business (MSB) with the Federal Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The registration process must be completed by the Bank Secretary Act (BSA) e-filing system.

See a checklist for new money transmitter license applications at NMLS.