Bond Amount Requirements
The bond amount required for your Arizona collection agency license is not one flat figure. Arizona sets it on a sliding scale based on your agency’s gross annual income from collection activity. A first-year agency or one earning under $250,000 typically needs the $10,000 bond. Larger agencies earning over $750,000 must file a $35,000 bond. Verify the current required amount with DIFI before applying, as regulatory amounts can be updated.
| Gross Annual Income |
Required Bond Amount |
| Up to $250,000 |
$10,000 |
| $250,001 to $500,000 |
$15,000 |
| $500,001 to $750,000 |
$25,000 |
| Over $750,000 |
$35,000 |
New applicants and agencies in their first year of operation typically qualify for the $10,000 bond. Verify the current requirement with DIFI before filing, as bond amounts can be updated by regulation.
How Much Does the Arizona Collection Agency Bond Cost
The annual premium is a percentage of the required bond amount and is set mainly by your personal credit score. You are not paying the full bond amount. You are paying only the premium, which is typically between 1% and 10% of the bond amount per year. For a $10,000 bond with good credit, most applicants pay around $100 per year. Higher bond amounts require a financial review and carry higher premiums, but the same credit-based rate tiers apply.
Who Needs an Arizona Collection Agency Bond
Any individual or business that solicits, collects, or receives payments on debt owed to a third party in Arizona must be licensed as a collection agency and file this bond. This includes:
- Debt collection agencies operating within Arizona
- Out-of-state agencies collecting debts owed by Arizona residents
- Credit counseling businesses that negotiate debt on behalf of consumers
You must also hold a valid arizona collection agency license through DIFI in addition to this bond. The bond is filed with your license application and renewed annually with your license.
Getting Bonded With Bad Credit
Less than perfect credit does not automatically disqualify you. Bonds Express offers bad credit surety bond programs for applicants who have been declined elsewhere or who have past credit issues. Premium rates will be higher than the standard tiers shown above, and in some cases a collateral deposit may be required.
Your rate can improve at renewal as your credit profile strengthens. See the full guide to getting bonded with bad credit for more information on how this works.
Other Arizona Surety Bonds
Bonds Express offers all Arizona surety bonds required for state licensing. If your agency’s gross annual income is below $250,000 and you qualify for the minimum requirement. Browse the full list of Arizona bonds by category on the Arizona state bonds page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Arizona collection agency bond?
The required bond amount ranges from $10,000 to $35,000 depending on your agency’s gross annual income from collection activity. New agencies and those earning up to $250,000 annually typically need the $10,000 bond. Agencies earning over $750,000 require a $35,000 bond. Confirm the current amount for your income tier with DIFI before applying.
How much does an Arizona collection agency bond cost?
For the $10,000 bond, applicants with good credit typically pay around $100 per year — about 1% of the bond amount. Rates increase for lower credit scores. Higher bond amounts are priced after a financial review. Request a free quote for the exact premium for your situation.
Who is the obligee for the Arizona collection agency bond?
The obligee is the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI). You file the bond with DIFI as part of your collection agency license application and renewal.
Can I get this bond with bad credit?
Yes, in most cases. Bonds Express offers programs for applicants with less than perfect credit. Rates will be higher than the standard premium range, and a collateral deposit may be required in some situations. Contact Bonds Express to discuss your options.
