Instant Bonding Decisions

Rapid Access Program (RAP)

Merchants Bonding Company™ built RAP because bonding should work as fast as the businesses that need it.

RAP is Merchants’ instant-decision, credit-only bonding program offering easy issuance of performance bonds up to $2 million. When a qualifying account applies, the decision returns to the surety agent in under one minute*. No financial statements, no underwriter review cycle, and no waiting.

Built For a Wide Range of Accounts

RAP serves three primary business categories: contractors, developers, and service and supply accounts.

Contractors at a Construction Project

Contractors & Subcontractors

Win more projects and keep jobs moving.

General and specialty contractors can get the bonds they need to bid, start working faster, and keep projects on track.

Eligible bond types include:

  • Bid bonds
  • Payment bonds
  • Performance bonds
Subdivision Development

Developers

Keep development projects on schedule.

Secure the bonds needed to satisfy requirements, avoid delays, and move commercial and residential projects from planning to completion.

Eligible bond types include:

  • Subdivision bonds
  • Completion bonds
  • Public Improvement bonds
  • Performance bonds
  • Payment bonds
  • Maintenance bonds
Service and Supply Image

Service & Supply

Pursue more contract opportunities.

Get non-construction performance bonds that help service and supply businesses meet contract requirements, protect relationships, and continue growing.

Eligible NCP bond types include:

  • Service bonds
  • Supply bonds
  • Supply & installation bonds

A Program That Grows with the Account

RAP’s three-tier structure supports businesses as they grow.

Tier Single / Total Open Bond Penalty Requirements
Tier 1 $1 million / $1 million Credit only, no prior job/bond size requirement
Tier 2 $1.5 million / $1.5 million Credit plus prior job/bond of $500,000 or more
Tier 3 $2 million / $2 million Credit plus prior job/bond of $750,000 or more

All tiers include instant decisions and streamlined, credit-based qualifications. Some account and project exclusions apply.

Why Merchants Bonding?

Merchants Bonding has spent more than 90 years helping agents and businesses navigate surety with confidence.

As a surety-only company, we focus exclusively on delivering responsive underwriting decisions, trusted relationships, and practical solutions that help clients move forward faster.

What Makes RAP Different

RAP Line Of Credit

Each approved account receives a RAP line of credit so agents can issue bonds quickly. Excludes RAP for Developers

Instant Decisions

RAP is fully automated, so complete and accurate applications receive a decision in less than one minute*. No underwriter review. No waiting.

Simple Application

No financial statements, tax returns, or job schedules. We don't ask for more than what is necessary to qualify based on credit.

Ready to Put RAP to Work?

Connect with a Merchants Bonding-appointed agent to begin the application process and receive fast decisions through RAP.
Already a Merchants-appointed agent? Create and share your RAP application links to streamline the submission process.
Interested in becoming an appointed agent with Merchants?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RAP?
The Rapid Access Program (RAP) is an instant-decision, credit-only bond program for a range of performance bond obligations up to $2 million single bond / $2 million total open bond penalty.
What types of businesses can use RAP?
RAP is built for three primary business categories: standard contractors and subcontractors, developers, and service and supply businesses. Specialty trades are a strong fit, e.g. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, concrete contractors and more.
Can newer businesses qualify for RAP?
RAP is accessible to newer or growing businesses that have been in business or under current management for three years or more.
What bond types does RAP cover?
RAP covers a range of performance obligations across contractor, developer, and service and supply categories including bid, performance, and payment bonds, plus subdivision, completion, public improvement, and maintenance for developer accounts.
How long does the RAP application process take?
Completing the online RAP application takes just a few minutes, and the decision is sent to the agent in less than a minute* for fully and accurately completed applications.
What information is needed to apply for RAP?
The RAP application requires basic company information including name, address, legal structure and type of work; owner information including names, addresses, and social security numbers; and acknowledgement of past financial, contractual, and/or legal issues. Developer and subdivision applicants must also provide basic project and financing (if applicable) information.
Does RAP require financial statements?
No. RAP uses a streamlined, credit-based application process and does not require financial statements, tax returns, or job schedules.
Is RAP available through any insurance agent?
RAP is only available through Merchants Bonding-appointed agents. Contact your insurance agent or use our Find an Agent tool to locate an appointed agent in your area.

* Average auto response time for fully and accurately completed applications as of May 2026.