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 Garnishment Bond
Writs of garnishment,
Writs of garnishment,
bonded same-day under TRCP 658.
Required of every Texas plaintiff obtaining a writ of garnishment to freeze funds or property in the hands of a third party. Governed by CPRC Chapter 63 and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 657–679. Premium typically 1%–3% of bond amount with collateral.
- Same-day bank-account garnishments
- Post-judgment collection specialty
- Harris County and all Texas courts
What it is
The bond that unlocks a writ of garnishment.
A Texas garnishment bond is a surety bond posted by a plaintiff obtaining a writ of garnishment — a court order compelling a third party (the garnishee) to hold funds or property owed to the defendant until the court decides what to do with them.
The most common use is post-judgment bank garnishment: a creditor who has already won judgment serves the writ on the debtor's bank, freezing the account up to the judgment amount. Pre-judgment garnishments — allowed only in narrow circumstances under CPRC §63.001 — require the plaintiff to show the debt is just, due, and unpaid.
The bond protects both the defendant and the garnishee. If the garnishment is wrongful, they can sue on the bond for damages including lost use of funds, bank fees, and attorney fees.
What you pay
Premium plus collateral in most cases.
Garnishment bonds are individually underwritten based on plaintiff credit, whether the case is pre- or post-judgment, and the strength of the underlying claim.
| Credit / case posture | Premium rate | Typical collateral |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent credit (750+) Post-judgment, final | 1.0–1.5% | 10–25% of bond |
| Good credit (680–749) Post-judgment standard | 1.5–2.0% | 25–40% of bond |
| Fair credit (620–679) Pre-judgment, documented | 2.0–2.5% | 40–60% of bond |
| Credit-challenged High-risk pre-judgment | 2.5–3.0% | Up to 100% |
Collateral held for the bond term and released when the case resolves favorably.
How to get bonded
Four steps, coordinated with your attorney.
- 01
Application & writ paperwork
Your attorney prepares the verified application for writ of garnishment. Bond amount is at least 2× the debt claimed.
- 02
Credit & case review
Plaintiff applies. Soft credit pull and case review. We quote premium and collateral.
- 03
Surety approval & funding
Collateral (if required) deposited. Bond executed and delivered same-day.
- 04
Writ issued & served
Court clerk issues the writ on the bond. Constable or sheriff serves garnishee. Funds frozen until court disposes.
Legal requirements
Texas rule, bond amount, who it protects.
Statute / rule
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 63 and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 657–679. TRCP 658 sets the bond requirement; TRCP 664a governs defendant's counter-bond.
Issuing court
Texas district or county court where the underlying judgment was rendered (post-judgment) or where suit is filed (pre-judgment). Harris County: district courts and county courts at law.
Bond amount
Not less than twice the amount of the debt claimed. Court may set higher.
Term
Continuous until the writ is quashed, dissolved by counter-bond, or the case ends. Premium billed annually.
Who can claim
The defendant and the garnishee. Recoverable damages include lost use of frozen funds, bank fees, attorney fees, and consequential losses if the garnishment is wrongful.
Why Surety Bond Houston
Garnishments only work when the money is still there.
Same-day bank garnishment
Banks can't be served until the bond is on file. We deliver in hours so funds don't move overnight.
Collection-attorney familiar
We work daily with Texas collection firms — no surprises on paperwork, filing, or execution.
Collateral optimized
Strong post-judgment cases qualify for reduced collateral — not the 100% deposit some sureties demand.
Related bonds
Other prejudgment and post-judgment remedy bonds.
FAQ
Garnishment bond questions we answer every week.
What is a Texas garnishment bond?
A Texas garnishment bond is a surety bond filed by a plaintiff seeking a writ of garnishment — a court order directing a third party (most often a bank) to freeze funds or property owed to the defendant. The bond protects the defendant and garnishee from losses if the garnishment is later determined wrongful.
When can a plaintiff obtain a writ of garnishment in Texas?
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 63 and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 657–679 allow garnishment in three situations: (1) after final judgment to collect, (2) when the plaintiff has filed suit on a just, due debt and there is no adequate remedy at law, or (3) when a defendant is beyond the court's reach. Most Texas garnishments are post-judgment collections against bank accounts.
How much does a Texas garnishment bond cost?
Garnishment bonds typically run 1%–3% of the bond amount per year. The bond must be at least twice the amount of the judgment or debt claimed. A $100,000 garnishment bond (protecting a $50,000 claim) commonly costs $1,000–$3,000 per year. Collateral of 20%–100% is often required depending on credit and case strength.
Is the bond amount always double the debt?
TRCP 658 sets the minimum at twice the debt claimed. The court may require more if the judge believes greater protection is warranted. For pre-judgment garnishment, courts scrutinize the bond amount closely because the garnishee and defendant have not yet been heard on the merits.
What happens if the garnishment is dissolved?
If the garnishee or defendant successfully dissolves the writ — for example, by showing the underlying debt was not yet due or that the plaintiff had an adequate legal remedy — the defendant can sue on the bond to recover damages. These include lost use of the frozen funds, attorney fees, and any consequential losses.
Can the defendant replevy garnished funds?
Yes — a defendant can post a counter-bond (replevy bond) to release the garnished funds during the litigation. This shifts the surety coverage from the plaintiff's garnishment bond to the defendant's replevy bond, restoring the defendant's use of the funds until the case resolves.
How fast can a garnishment bond be issued?
Same-day issuance is typical. Garnishments — especially post-judgment bank garnishments — are time-sensitive because defendants can move funds. We prioritize these applications and deliver the executed bond to your attorney within hours.
Ready when you are
Get your Texas garnishment bond today.
Same-day issuance. Harris County and statewide coverage.