Get Licensed and Bonded for California Credit Services Organizations

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California credit services organizations

California credit services organizations are regulated by the state’s Department of Justice. Keep reading to find out how to register and get a surety bond.

Registering with the AG

California credit services organizations offer assistance to consumers with credit problems. The state defines them as organizations that provide and accept payment for performing or assisting a consumer with improving the consumer’s credit or helping them get a loan or extension of credit.

To get a Certificate of Registration from the Department organizations need to complete the application and then mail it in, along with a $100 filing fee and copies of contracts and any other documents consumers will have to sign. Here’s some of the information the application asks for:

  • Date business was or will be first advertised
  • Business name and DBAs
  • Type of ownership and name of primary contact person
  • Contact and personal information for any business owners
  • Description and copies of all advertising materials, including radio and TV advertisements
  • Description of credit services offered

Registration expires annually on December 31, and the Department does not send reminders to licensed businesses.�Credit services organization applicants must file a $100,000 surety bond with the California Secretary of State. Applications won’t be processed until the bond is on file and the $30 filing fee paid.

Why is this bond required?

California credit services organizations are required by law to get a surety bond because of the risky nature of their business. Handling consumer funds comes with a high risk of fraud, so registration and bonding are the state’s way of preventing fraud. In another protective measure, the bond has to be maintained for two years after the organization ceases operations.

The surety bond must be $100,000 with a term of no less than two years. If the organization disobeys the law and defrauds consumers or the state, claims can be made against the bond. If they’re paid out, the organization must reimburse the surety�meaning the bondholder is liable for the entirety of any paid claims. Those can be avoided by abiding by the bond’s terms and those of the Credit Services Act of 1984.

Ready to register as a California credit services organization? Call Single Source Insurance and get a free quote for your surety bond!�

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