The Merchants Difference

For nearly a century, Merchants Bonding Company has honed its expertise in providing contract and commercial surety bonds, offering first class service and a common sense underwriting approach. Unlike its competitors with multiple lines of business, Merchants’ focus is almost exclusively on surety. Merchants’ unique underwriting philosophy evaluates all accounts on their own merit, and places a high value on business and personal net worth.

A national leader in surety, Merchants Bonding Company is among the top surety writers in the United States and has had an “A” (Excellent) rating or better from AM Best since 1958.

The Merchants Commitment

At Merchants Bonding Company, we are committed to the success of our associates and customers. The unique identity and culture of Merchants sets us apart in the surety industry. Our company's values, along with our mission, vision and purpose, comprise The Merchants Commitment.

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Merchants' Story is a Family Legacy

With a stable business philosophy, a family work environment and a focus on making a difference in the community, Merchants Bonding Company has nine decades of experience, tradition, leadership and innovation.

E.H. Warner and Merle Milligan founded Merchants Mutual Bonding Company in 1933, and grew it with a consistent and conservative approach to surety that remains the cornerstone of Merchants’ success. W.W. Warner became President in 1962, and led Merchants through the ups and downs of the economy and industry for nearly 30 years. He was succeeded by his son, William Warner, Sr. who continued the family legacy.

Chairman of the Board and President Larry Taylor is the Warner family’s fourth generation of company leadership; providing the same care and commitment to clients, employees and the community that has marked the growing success of this company.

The legacy continues to grow. After nine decades, Merchants now handles business in all 50 states. The company is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, with branch offices located throughout the United States to better serve our partners. Merchants employs more than 230 associates working to provide excellent underwriting and underwriting services.

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WARNER FAMILY LEADERSHIP

Merchants Bonding Company has enjoyed four generations of family leadership. Pictured from left to right are the first three generations of family leadership: W.W. Warner [1941 - 2010], E.H. Warner [1933 - 1972] and William Warner, Sr. [1970 - 2000].

Merchants National Bonding, Inc

Merchants Bonding Company started a subsidiary in 2003, Nations Bonding Company, writing surety bonds as a stock company in Texas and other selected markets. In 2012, Merchants Bonding moved Nations Bonding Company from Texas to Iowa and changed the name to Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Both companies grow under the Merchants Bonding Company brand.

Merchants Bonding Company Foundation

In 2008 the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization, was formed in celebration of Merchants Bonding Company’s 75th anniversary and to foster a culture of giving back. Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation has distributed millions to non-profit, charitable organizations.

Each year the Foundation selects a Charity of Choice to be the primary beneficiary of funds raised from various events organized by Merchants' Community Outreach Committee. Every other year, the Charity of Choice will be the recipient of a major grant from the Foundation.

In addition, the Foundation matches associates’ donations, up to $400 per year, and supports paid volunteer time off to benefit eligible organizations that matter most to its associates.

Learn about the Foundation

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