Texas Credit Union Fidelity Bond Requirements (2026)
Texas credit unions answer to two fidelity bond rules, not one. The NCUA asset table under 12 CFR 713.5, plus what 7 TAC 91.510 adds if you're state-chartered.
Texas Administrator Bond
Administrator bonds for intestate estates,
Administrator bonds for intestate estates,
issued fast for Harris County courts.
Required of every Texas administrator appointed by a probate court — dependent or temporary administrator, administrator with will annexed, or administrator of an intestate estate. Governed by Texas Estates Code Chapter 305. Premium typically 0.5%–1% of bond amount.
- Dependent and temporary administrators
- Administrator with will annexed (CTA)
- Harris County probate courts 1–4
What it is
The fiduciary bond every Texas administrator files.
A Texas administrator bond is a fiduciary surety bond posted by the court-appointed personal representative of an estate — typically when the decedent died without a will (intestate), when the named executor cannot serve, or when heirs request dependent administration.
The bond guarantees the administrator will manage estate assets honestly and in compliance with the Texas Estates Code. It protects heirs, distributees, and creditors from losses caused by administrator misconduct: misappropriation, failure to account, unauthorized distributions, or self-dealing.
The bond stays in force continuously until the court discharges the administrator at the close of administration. Premium is paid annually. The estate reimburses the premium as an administrative expense.
What you pay
Premium scales with estate size and administrator credit.
Administrator bonds are individually underwritten. The surety reviews the order, the estimated estate value, and the administrator's credit.
| Estate / bond size | Preferred rate | Standard rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100,000 Small estate | $150–$250 (min premium) | $250–$400 |
| $100,000–$500,000 Typical estate | 0.5% of bond | 0.75–1.0% of bond |
| $500,000–$2,000,000 Upper-middle estate | 0.5% of bond | 0.75% of bond |
| Over $2,000,000 High-value estate | 0.4% of bond (tiered) | 0.5–0.7% of bond |
Estate reimburses premium as administrative expense. Dependent administrations priced the same as independent.
How to get bonded
Five steps, coordinated with your probate attorney.
- 01
Court sets bond amount
Judge orders the bond at the hearing when letters of administration are issued, per Estates Code §305.101.
- 02
Quote & application
Soft credit pull on the administrator. Five-minute application covers most estates.
- 03
Surety review
Surety reviews the court order and applicant credit. Standard estates approved same-day; complex cases in 1–2 business days.
- 04
Bond issuance
Bond issued on the court-approved form, executed and surety-sealed, delivered to your attorney for filing.
- 05
Annual renewal
Bond renews annually until the court discharges the administrator at close of administration.
Legal requirements
Texas statute, issuing court, what the bond covers.
Statute
Texas Estates Code Chapter 305 governs bonds of personal representatives. §305.101 sets the bond based on estate value plus one year of estimated income.
Issuing court
The probate court where the estate is administered. Harris County uses probate courts 1, 2, 3, and 4.
When bond is required
Always, for court-appointed administrators. There is no will-waiver exception for intestate estates. Dependent administrations also always require bond.
Term
Continuous until the court discharges the administrator. Premium billed annually.
Who can claim
Heirs, distributees, creditors, and other interested persons harmed by the administrator's misconduct.
Why Surety Bond Houston
Administrator filings need a responsive agent.
Harris County routine
Every week, Houston probate attorneys send us administrator orders. The workflow is reflex.
Credit flexibility
Administrators with credit issues, new ventures, or thin files — we know which specialty sureties place them.
Attorney-coordinated
Your attorney sends the order, we issue, we return for clerk filing. No logistics headaches.
Related bonds
Other fiduciary bonds we write.
FAQ
Administrator bond questions we answer every week.
How much does a Texas administrator bond cost?
Administrator bonds typically run 0.5% to 1% of the bond amount per year for well-qualified applicants. A $500,000 administrator bond commonly costs $2,500–$5,000 per year. Small estates may qualify for a minimum premium of $150–$250. Credit-challenged administrators pay 1.5%–3% of the bond amount.
Why is an administrator bond always required in Texas intestate estates?
When a Texas resident dies without a will (intestate), there is no document waiving bond. The Texas Estates Code requires the court-appointed personal representative — the administrator — to post bond before letters of administration are issued. The bond protects heirs and creditors, since no will has designated how the estate should be distributed.
What amount will the court set for the administrator bond?
Estates Code §305.101 directs the court to set the bond equal to the value of the estate's personal property plus one year of estimated income. Real property is typically excluded unless the administrator has power to sell it. For dependent administrations, the court sets the bond at the first hearing when it issues letters of administration.
Can I get an administrator bond with less-than-perfect credit?
Yes. Preferred rates go to 650+ credit applicants, but sureties write administrator bonds across the credit spectrum. Applicants with derogatory credit typically pay 1.5%–3% of the bond amount. In very difficult cases, the surety may require a co-principal or partial collateral (usually 10–25% of the bond amount).
What is a dependent administration, and does it affect my bond?
Texas distinguishes independent administration (minimal court supervision) from dependent administration (close court supervision, required for every significant act). When heirs cannot agree on independent administration, the court orders dependent administration — which always requires a bond, regardless of other factors. The bond amount and pricing are the same; the difference is in court procedure, not surety underwriting.
How quickly can an administrator bond be filed in Harris County?
For standard estates with clean credit, same-day issuance is typical. We prepare the bond on the probate court-approved form and deliver it to your attorney, who files it with the Harris County probate court clerk. Bond filing is usually complete within one business day of the court order.
What happens if a claim is filed against the administrator bond?
If an heir or creditor believes the administrator misappropriated funds, failed to account, or otherwise breached fiduciary duty, they file a claim with the surety. The surety investigates via the probate court record. Valid claims are paid up to the bond amount; the surety then seeks reimbursement from the administrator personally. Paid claims typically lead to removal and potential criminal referral.
Ready when you are
Get your Texas administrator bond today.
Same-day issuance. Attorney-coordinated filing. Harris County and all Texas probate courts.