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 Cost Bond
Security for court costs,
Security for court costs,
issued same-day under TRCP 143.
Required of non-resident plaintiffs, certain appellants, and parties whose ability to pay costs is challenged. Governed by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 143 and 145, and TRAP 24 on appeal. Flat-fee premiums from $100.
- Same-day issuance for routine amounts
- Flat-fee pricing — no collateral required
- Harris County and all Texas courts
What it is
A small bond that guarantees court costs get paid.
A Texas cost bond is a surety bond posted by a litigant to guarantee payment of court costs — clerk fees, service charges, court reporter fees, and similar expenses — if the party loses and is ordered to pay. The bond protects the opposing side and the court from being left with unpaid costs.
The most common trigger is Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 143: a defendant moves for security for costs against a plaintiff who is not a Texas resident or whose financial condition is in doubt. Other contexts include appellate proceedings (TRAP 24), probate contests, and specific statutory requirements.
Cost bonds are low-stakes compared to supersedeas or attachment bonds — the dollar amounts are small, underwriting is routine, and collateral is typically not required.
What you pay
Flat-fee pricing for most cost bonds.
Because exposure is low and terms are short, sureties price cost bonds as flat minimums rather than percentages. Quotes are typically driven by the bond amount the court sets.
| Bond amount | Flat premium | Collateral |
|---|---|---|
| $500 Standard TRCP 143 | $100 | None |
| $1,000 Enhanced TRCP 143 | $100–$150 | None |
| $2,500 Appellate / probate | $150–$200 | None |
| $5,000+ Complex litigation | $200–$500 | Case-by-case |
Flat premiums cover the full duration of the case. Larger bonds may price as a percentage (1%–2%) instead of flat.
How to get bonded
Three steps — simplest court bond we write.
- 01
Court order or motion
The court orders security for costs — either on the defendant's TRCP 143 motion or as a condition of appeal under TRAP 24. Order specifies the amount.
- 02
Application
Short application with applicant info and court order. Soft credit check only — no financials required for routine amounts.
- 03
Bond issued
Bond executed and delivered same-day. Your attorney files it with the clerk. Case proceeds.
Legal requirements
Texas rules, bond amount, and alternative to the bond.
Rules
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 143 (security for costs in trial court) and 145 (affidavit of indigency). Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 24 (security on appeal).
Issuing court
The Texas trial or appellate court where the case is pending. Harris County: district courts, county courts at law, justice courts, and the First/Fourteenth Courts of Appeals.
Bond amount
Court-set, usually $500–$5,000. Based on anticipated court costs through trial or appeal.
Alternative
Indigent parties may file an affidavit of inability to pay costs under TRCP 145 instead of posting a bond. Affidavit is contestable by the opposing party.
Who can claim
The court clerk and the opposing party, for costs taxed against the principal by final judgment that go unpaid.
Why Surety Bond Houston
Small bond, same professional service.
Flat-fee transparency
No hidden underwriting charges. Our $100–$500 quote is the total price for the bond term.
Same-day turnaround
Your court deadline is our deadline. Standard cost bonds issued within hours of application.
Attorney-friendly
We coordinate directly with your counsel on court-acceptable bond forms for every Texas jurisdiction.
Related bonds
Other appellate and litigation bonds.
FAQ
Cost bond questions we answer every week.
What is a Texas cost bond?
A Texas cost bond (sometimes called a security for costs) is a surety bond filed by a party in litigation to guarantee payment of court costs — clerk fees, service fees, court reporter charges, and similar costs — in case the party loses and is ordered to pay. It protects the opposing party and the court clerk from unpaid costs.
When is a cost bond required in Texas?
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 143 allows a defendant to move for security for costs against a plaintiff who is not a Texas resident or whom the defendant believes cannot pay costs. Cost bonds also arise in appeals (TRAP 24), probate objections, and specific statutory proceedings. The court sets the amount based on expected costs.
How much does a Texas cost bond cost?
Cost bonds are small-dollar and low-risk. Bond amounts typically run $500–$5,000, and premium is usually a flat minimum — $100 to $250 for most bonds. Because the exposure is low, most sureties do not require collateral for routine cost bonds on reasonably creditworthy applicants.
Who is the obligee on a cost bond?
The obligee varies by the type of cost bond. For TRCP 143 security for costs, the obligee is typically the defendant and the court clerk. For appellate cost bonds, the obligee is the appellee. The bond form specifies coverage — usually any costs taxed against the principal by final judgment.
How is a cost bond different from a supersedeas bond?
A cost bond covers only court costs — clerk fees, service, transcripts — typically $500–$5,000. A supersedeas bond suspends enforcement of the underlying money judgment during appeal and must cover the judgment amount plus interest (capped at the lesser of 50% of net worth or $25M under CPRC §52.006). They serve different purposes and are often required together on appeal.
Can the court waive the cost bond requirement?
Yes — indigent parties can file an affidavit of inability to pay costs in lieu of a cost bond under TRCP 145. The opposing party can contest the affidavit. If the court sustains the contest, the party must post the bond or face dismissal. Non-indigent non-residents generally cannot escape the requirement.
How fast can a cost bond be issued?
Same-day issuance is standard. Cost bonds are simple — small dollar amount, limited exposure, no specialty underwriting. We can quote, execute, and deliver the bond to your attorney for filing within a few hours of application.
Ready when you are
Get your Texas cost bond today.
Flat-fee pricing. Same-day issuance. Every Texas court.