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License & Permit

Prepaid Entertainment Contract Bond

A bond that a business selling prepaid memberships or lessons, such as a health club or dance studio, posts to protect customers who pay in advance.

Required by
State attorneys general or consumer protection agencies, such as the North Carolina Attorney General
Bond amount
Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.

What this bond guarantees

The bond runs to the state (the obligee) for the benefit of customers. If the facility closes or the seller goes bankrupt, customers who paid for services they did not receive can claim against the bond for their actual losses.

Who needs it

  • Health clubs and gyms
  • Dance studios
  • Martial arts schools
  • Dating and social club services

What the underwriter looks at

  • Prepaid customer liabilities
  • Number of facilities
  • Owner credit
  • Business financial statements

Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.

Common questions

How is the bond amount set in North Carolina?

Under G.S. 66-124, the bond must be at least the greater of $10,000 or the seller's outstanding prepaid liabilities to buyers, and no seller must buy more than $250,000 per facility.

When can a customer claim?

In North Carolina, a customer harmed by the closing of a facility or the seller's bankruptcy must file with the surety within one year.