Certified Check vs. Bid Bond

[Mother Bond]

Is it better to get a bid bond or to bid using a certified check?

[Surety Queen]

Is it better to get a bid bond or to bid using a certified check?

It's definitely better to get a bid bond if time requires. If you post a certified check, you are out that money until the job is awarded. The only time that a certified check is the best way to go is if there is no time to get the bond. The other real benefit of the bond is that both you and the Obligee know, if you submit a bid bond, that if you are awarded the final project the Surety will write the final bond for you.

[Mother Bond]

How many days before a bid should I submit a bid bond request in order to get the bond on time?

[Surety Queen]

How many days before a bid should I submit a bid bond request in order to get the bond on time?

Well, in a perfect world, it would be nice to have a few days. Remember that not only does the bid need to be approved by surety, it needs to be prepared and you need to account for shipping time - unless you are able to pick it up. It's possible to do a same day turnaround but it's not preferred.