Cash collateral
Some sponsors place cash (or cash-equivalent funds) with the surety or agent as security in addition to a premium. Cash collateral is not the same as paying ICE the full bond through CeBONDS. If the bond is later cancelled and no breach occurred, cash collateral is typically returned according to the written indemnity agreement, minus any amounts allowed by that contract. Premiums are generally earned when the bond is posted and are typically not refundable, even if the case ends quickly. Exact handling is contract-specific — we explain it on the call.
If you prefer to post the full face amount directly with the government, that is a cash bond through ICE’s CeBONDS channel, not a surety bond. That route has its own hours, paperwork, and refund process handled by the government.
Real estate collateral
A common option for larger bonds is a lien or deed of trust against real property owned by the sponsor or a helper. The property is not sold as part of posting. Ownership stays with the owner. The lien is a temporary claim that is released after the bond is cancelled and contractual conditions are met. We do not give appraisals or legal advice about title. Availability depends on equity, title status, location, and underwriting. Documents are reviewed by the agent and surety, not on this website.
Credit card collateral
When offered, a credit card may be used as a way to secure all or part of the agent’s requirements — for example a premium payment or a hold as collateral — subject to processor rules, surety rules, and the cardholder’s available credit. A credit-card charge is not a gift card and may appear as a payment or authorization. Fees, holds, and refund timing must be explained verbally and in the contract before anyone pays. Do not state a specific percentage on this page. Do not imply that “credit card = no collateral.” Some bonds still require additional security.
Also covered briefly
- Who can be the obligor / indemnitor: generally a financially responsible adult. ICE cash bonds have their own identity rules.
- Why quotes happen by phone: bond amount, state, facility, collateral mix, and underwriting differ from case to case.
- No rebates or “we beat any price” claims are made on this site.
- No “as low as 2%” or any other numeric premium is stated unless you later supply a filed rate you want published.
How the options compare
| Option | Typical use | Returned if bond cancelled? | Decided on this website? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash to ICE (CeBONDS) | Full face amount to the government | Government refund process | No |
| Cash collateral to surety | Security plus premium | Per contract | No |
| Real estate | Larger bonds | Lien released per contract | No |
| Credit card | Premium or partial security when available | Per contract and processor | No |