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Payment Options and Costs
Transparent pricing with flexible payment options
When someone you care about is in jail, figuring out how to pay for bail can add stress to an already difficult situation. This page explains how bail bond pricing works, what payment options are available, and what to expect from the process.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
In California, bail bond companies charge a premium, which is a percentage of the total bail amount. This premium is the fee for the bail bond service. You pay the premium, and we post the full bail amount with the court to secure release.
- Rate Type — Premium — Who Qualifies
- Standard Rate — 10% — All clients
- Attorney Referral Rate — 8% — Clients referred by an attorney
Example: $25,000 Bail
Standard rate (10%): $2,500 premium
Attorney referral rate (8%): $2,000 premium
The Premium Is Non-Refundable
The bail bond premium is the fee for our service. It is not a deposit. You pay the premium whether the case is dismissed, charges are dropped, or the defendant is found not guilty. This is standard across all bail bond companies in California.
Payment Plans
We understand that coming up with the full premium at once can be difficult, especially during an emergency. We offer payment plans on a case-by-case basis to help make bail more manageable.
How Payment Plans Work
Payment plan approval depends on several factors, including the bail amount and your ability to make consistent payments. Plans typically require a down payment followed by scheduled payments until the premium is paid in full. Call us to discuss your options.
If you're approved for a payment plan, it's important to make all payments on time. If you're having trouble making a payment, contact us immediately. Failure to make payments without communication can result in the bond being surrendered, which means the defendant goes back into custody.
Accepted Payment Methods
We accept multiple forms of payment to make the process as convenient as possible:
Direct Payment
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Zelle
- Personal checks
- Cashier's checks
Collateral
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Other valuable property
May be required for larger bail amounts
What Is Collateral?
Collateral is property or assets used to secure a bail bond. It provides additional security for larger bail amounts where the premium alone doesn't cover the risk.
Common forms of collateral include real estate, vehicles, jewelry, or other valuable property. The collateral is held until the case concludes and all financial obligations are met. Once the bond is exonerated (the case ends and court appearances are complete), your collateral is returned.
When Is Collateral Required?
Not all bail bonds require collateral. Whether collateral is needed depends on the bail amount, the defendant's history, and other factors. We'll let you know upfront if collateral is required for your situation.
How much does a bail bond cost?
Bail bonds in California cost 10% of the total bail amount. If you were referred by an attorney, you may qualify for an 8% rate.
Is the bail bond fee refundable?
No. The bail bond premium is non-refundable. This is the fee for the bail bond service, not a deposit. You pay the premium regardless of the case outcome.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer payment plans on a case-by-case basis. Approval depends on factors like the bail amount and your ability to make payments. Call us to discuss your situation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, Zelle, and checks. We can also work with collateral for larger bail amounts.
What happens if I miss a payment plan payment?
Contact us immediately if you're having trouble. Communication is key. If payments stop without notice, we may have to surrender the bond, which means the defendant returns to custody.
Do I get my collateral back?
Yes. Once the case concludes and all obligations are met, your collateral is returned. This typically takes a few weeks after the bond is exonerated.
