California Money Transmitter Bond at a glance
| Bond amount | $250,000 minimum, $7,000,000 maximum |
|---|---|
| Required by | California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) |
| Statute | Cal. Fin. Code § 2037 |
| Where we’re licensed | California — and all 50 states |
Requirements last reviewed September 2026. Amounts are set by the authority above and can change — we confirm the current figure before you bond.
What California requires
If you are licensed in California, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) requires a money transmitter bond of $250,000 minimum, $7,000,000 maximum. Payment instruments/stored value $500,000–$2,000,000.
What a money transmitter bond guarantees
The bond guarantees to the state financial regulator (and, through it, to consumers) that you will hold and transmit customer funds lawfully, remit them properly, and stay solvent. It is a state requirement — separate from federal FinCEN MSB registration, which does not itself require a bond. Many states treat crypto and virtual-currency businesses as money transmitters, so those firms hit these requirements too.
How the amount is set — and why it varies so much
Most states set a minimum that increases with transmission volume and the number of locations or agents, up to a statutory cap. The result is the widest range of any license bond: from around $10,000–$25,000 minimums to $1 million or more. Multistate transmitters must satisfy each state separately, though many states now coordinate licensing through the NMLS and the Money Transmitter Modernization Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a money transmitter bond in California?
The bond amount in California is $250,000 minimum, $7,000,000 maximum, set by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). You do not pay that amount — you pay a premium, a small percentage of it, based on your credit and the bond required. We confirm the current figure and quote it across multiple surety markets.
Who requires a money transmitter bond in California?
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) requires it under Cal. Fin. Code § 2037. The bond protects the public and the state — not your business — and if the surety pays a claim, you must reimburse it.
How do I get a money transmitter bond in California?
Request a quote or contact our team. We verify the current requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in California and all 50 states.
← Money Transmitter Bond (national overview) · Business insurance in California
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.