crazy fast! says Becky Hecker of Dawson Insurance

INSTANT CREDIT-ONLY ACCOUNT APPROVALS 

Built for agents who need speed without friction

When your clients need fast approval on surety bonds under $1 million, you need a workflow supports your timeline.
 
Merchants Bonding Company's™ Rapid Access Program (RAP) provides instant approvals for qualifying account with automated, credit-only decisions.
 
RAP simplifies the surety bond process from start to finish. With fast approvals, no lengthy applications or unnecessary back and forth, RAP helps you keep business moving forward.
 
Trusted by agents who value speed and simplicity. 

   

Submit A New RAP Account

 

Working with Merchants' RAP program is extremely easy, for both the agent and client. Most small contractor accounts need a quick turnaround time, and that is exactly what RAP offers.

Think RAP is just for construction?

Think Again.

RAP delivers credit-only approval for qualifying accounts, offering easy issuance of performance bonds up to $1 million.

In addition to construction performance bond needs, RAP now offers instant approval for non-construction trades. Common industries include:

  Construction & Developers       

Non-Construction Trades
Commercial/Residential
Developers		 Food Service
Concrete Janitorial
Electrical Landscape/Lawn
Fabricate & Install   Printing
General Contractors   Security Guard
Highway
Trash/Recycling/Waste Hauling
Masonry  
   Plumbing    and much more!

 

RAP is a one-stop shop for a wide variety of performance bond needs.

Instant account approval based on credit. No financials needed.
 
 
Contract Surety Bonds Construction Image

Rapid Access Program - Contractors

  • $1,000,000 Single Bond
  • $1,000,000 Total Open Bond Penalty
  • Credit Only Underwriting
  • Agency Line of Credit
  • General Contractors & Subcontractors
  • Bid, Performance, and Payment Bonds
  • Non-Construction Performance (Service, Supply, Supply/Install)
  • Exclusions Apply

Rapid Access Program - Developers

  • $1,000,000 Single Bond
  • $1,000,000 Total Open Bond Penalty
  • Credit Only Underwriting
  • Commercial & Residential Developers
  • Subdivision, Completion, Public Improvement, Performance, Payment and Maintenance Bonds
  • Exclusions Apply 

 

  

Sign in to the Hub to view additional program details and account exclusions for RAP. What if your account doesn't meet program guidelines or outgrows RAP? Your primary Merchants underwriter will work with you to collect additional information and service your account through our standard underwriting program, delivering the same common sense underwriting and first class experience agents expect from Merchants.

Why Choose RAP?

  Preferred by Agents

  99 percent of users* say RAP is the easiest credit-only program in the market.

  Effortless E-Application

  Send the RAP application directly to the client and collect required information - no follow-up needed.

  Fast Account Approvals

  Once approved, GIAs can be sent directly to indemnitors for e-signature, streamlining your workflow.

  Built for Rush Requests

  RAP for contractors offers a line of authority that makes processing 'rush' bid bond requests simple and efficient.

*RAP User Survey (August 2025).

How Do I get a Surety Bond?

Surety bonds are issued by Merchants through insurance agents. Contact your local insurance agent or use our Find an Agent tool. They will guide you through the process, informing you of what documents and information are needed by Merchants to underwrite your bond.