# Can I get a surety bond with bad credit? *Reviewed 2026-05-15* ## Short answer Often yes. Many bonds are still available to applicants with weaker credit, usually at a higher premium rate, and some markets specialize in higher-risk applicants. Small, fixed-amount license bonds are frequently issued with little or no credit review, while larger bonds weigh credit more heavily. Credit is one [Underwriting](/glossary/underwriting) factor, not an automatic disqualifier. For many license and permit bonds the amounts are modest and the [Premium](/glossary/premium) rate simply rises for weaker credit. For larger bonds, the surety looks harder at credit, financial statements, and experience, so a strong overall picture can offset a lower score. If credit is the obstacle, providing financials or collateral can help a surety get comfortable. The goal is to match the application to a market that writes that profile. ## Related - [Surety bond services](/services) - [Request a bond quote](/contact)