Texas — Consumer Debt Management Service Bond
The Texas Consumer Debt Management Service Bond is a financial security instrument required for businesses operating as debt management or debt settlement providers within the state. This bond serves as a regulatory requirement under the oversight of the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) for entities providing consumer credit counseling or debt negotiation services.
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- Recorded state
- Texas
- Bond type
- Debt Settlement / Debt Adjuster Bond
- Category
- Financial services
What this bond does
This bond ensures that debt management and settlement providers comply with the requirements of Chapter 394 of the Texas Finance Code. It provides a layer of financial accountability for entities that handle consumer funds or provide advisory services related to debt management, ensuring operators adhere to state-mandated service fee limitations and operational standards.
- Who needs it
- This bond is intended for business entities engaged in consumer credit counseling or acting as debt negotiators in Texas. It is a mandatory component for obtaining and maintaining an active license through the OCCC for these specific professional categories.
- Who it protects
- The bond protects consumers by ensuring that licensed debt management and settlement providers maintain financial responsibility while conducting business. It is designed to mitigate the risk of financial loss to consumers resulting from a licensee's failure to perform their duties in accordance with Texas statutes and administrative rules.
Your bond option
This is the option on record for this bond.
- Bond optionPurchase Now (opens in a new tab)Continue to our secure checkout partner, Propeller (opens in a new tab).
The bond amount describes the limit of the bond obligation, not the price. A listed amount does not establish what the requesting party requires. The premium is what you pay and must be confirmed for the actual option. An E&O limit, where listed, is separate errors and omissions insurance.
Sources
- OCCC Debt Management and Settlement Providers Overview (opens in a new tab)Checked October 18, 2026
Have these ready
- Turn off browser autofill features when accessing the ALECS portal to prevent data entry glitches.
- Download and save the official OCCC surety bond form to your local computer before attempting to complete it.
- Verify that your business contact information matches your OCCC licensing records exactly to avoid processing delays.
- Ensure you have access to Adobe Reader to properly view, download, and finalize the required state forms.
Questions about this bond
Who must obtain a debt management service bond in Texas?
Any entity providing consumer credit counseling or debt negotiation services as defined under Chapter 394 of the Texas Finance Code must maintain this bond as a condition of their OCCC license.
Where do I file the bond and annual reports?
All bond-related documentation and annual reports must be filed electronically through the OCCC's ALECS system.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
The renewal period ends on January 31st. Registrations not renewed by midnight will be cancelled and marked as non-renewable, requiring a new application.
Are the fee limits for debt management services static?
No, the maximum setup and monthly service fees are adjusted annually by the OCCC based on the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in the cost of living.