Bail Bond Costs and Payment Options — What to Know
The bail bond premium is the fee charged by a licensed bail bond agency to post a surety bond on a defendant's behalf. Post It Bail Bonds has filed an 8% premium rate in its primary service areas (Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties). Payment plans may be available depending on the circumstances — approval is not guaranteed. Collateral requirements vary by case. The premium and collateral are separate concepts. All terms, including the rate, payment schedule, and any collateral, are disclosed in writing before any bond is posted.
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If Bail Is $10,000, How Much Do You Pay?
How Much Is a Bail Bond?
The cost depends on the court-set bail amount and the surety company's applicable filed premium rate. For example, a $10,000 bail amount would equal a $1,000 premium at a 10% rate or an $800 premium at an 8% rate. These are educational calculations, not a quote or guarantee that either rate applies to a particular case.
If bail is set at $10,000, paying full cash bail generally requires the entire $10,000. A bail bond uses the applicable premium rate filed by the surety company represented by the bail agent. At a 10% premium, the example cost is $1,000. At an 8% premium, the example cost is $800. The applicable filed rate, payment terms, authorized expenses and possible collateral requirements must be explained in the written bail agreement.
These calculations are educational examples—not quotes, down-payment offers or predictions of the bail a court will set.
| Full Cash Bail | 10% Premium ExampleExample only | 8% Premium ExampleExample only |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $1,000 | $800 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 | $1,600 |
| $30,000 | $3,000 | $2,400 |
| $40,000 | $4,000 | $3,200 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 |
Bail Bond Payment Methods We Accept
Availability may vary by transaction. Confirm the payment method, recipient information and amount directly with Post It Bail Bonds before sending money.
Cash in Person
Make an in-person cash payment at an authorized Post It Bail Bonds office. Call before visiting to confirm the office location and available hours.
Major Credit Cards
We accept major credit cards, subject to authorization and applicable payment requirements.
Zelle
Zelle may be available for approved transactions. Always confirm the correct recipient and payment information directly with a licensed Post It Bail Bonds agent before sending funds.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay may be available for eligible payments. Contact us to confirm availability for your transaction.
Additional Payment Options
Other payment arrangements may be available depending on the bail amount and case circumstances. Call to discuss the options available for your situation.
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Share the defendant and custody information available to you.
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Your agent explains costs, paperwork and co-signer responsibilities.
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Complete approved documents and payment arrangements with your agent.
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Provide the defendant and custody information you currently have. A licensed Post It Bail Bonds agent will review the information, confirm the available options and explain the next steps before any payment is requested.
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Post It Bail Bonds will confirm the defendant, facility and bond information before providing authorized payment instructions. Never send money using information from an unverified caller, text message or social-media account. Read our fraud disclaimer
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Understanding Your Options
How Do You Pay Bail in California?
California law provides several paths to secure a defendant's release from custody. Not every option is available in every case — eligibility depends on the charge, the facility, any outstanding holds, and judicial decisions.
Cash Bail
The full bail amount is paid directly to the authorized jail or court. Accepted payment methods and procedures vary by facility. Confirm payment instructions with the facility before traveling or sending funds. Cash bail is generally returned after the case concludes if the defendant met all appearance obligations, minus any court-ordered deductions.
Bail Bond
A licensed bail-bond agency arranges a surety bond on the defendant's behalf. The customer pays the applicable bail-bond premium and agrees to the written contract's payment, co-signer and possible collateral requirements. The premium is the charge for the agency's service and is generally not refunded after the bond is posted. Post It Bail Bonds assists families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County and surrounding areas of Southern California.
Property Bond
A court may allow qualifying real property to secure a defendant's release. Approval requires a court process, including a property appraisal and judicial review. A property bond is not the same as purchasing a bail bond from a licensed agency, and not every defendant or property will qualify.
Learn more about the bail process: How Bail Works.
Bail Costs Explained
How Much Does Bail Cost?
The bail amount is not the same as the bail-bond cost.
The Bail Amount
The court or applicable county bail schedule determines the total bail amount. The alleged charge, county, criminal history, outstanding holds and judicial decisions may affect the amount set — or whether release is permitted at all. Cash bail generally requires the full amount to be paid to the facility. See the county bail schedule.
The Bail-Bond Premium
The bail-bond premium is the charge for the agency's surety-bond service. California bail agents must follow the premium rate filed by the surety company they represent. The consumer cost is most commonly a percentage of the total bail amount — confirm the applicable filed rate, any authorized discounts, expenses, payment terms and collateral requirements in the written bail agreement before signing.
The exact premium, any authorized discount, expenses, payment terms and collateral requirements must be disclosed in the written bail agreement before the bond is posted. Use the bail cost calculator for a general estimate, or call a licensed agent for case-specific information.
Example Bail Amounts by Charge and County
County bail schedules can list different amounts for similar charges, and a judicial officer may increase, decrease, deny or replace monetary bail depending on the case and applicable law. The San Bernardino and Orange County examples below are drawn from their published 2026 schedules.
Los Angeles County is different. The Los Angeles Superior Court schedule currently linked by the court is dated 2022. LASD states that a 2023 court injunction changed how that schedule may be used by LASD and LAPD before arraignment in covered cases. The Los Angeles figures below are historical schedule references used only to illustrate premium calculations—not predictions of current bail, release eligibility or pre-arraignment procedure.
The exact code subsection, misdemeanor or felony classification, enhancements, prior convictions, warrants, number of alleged offenses, arresting agency and judicial orders can materially change the result.
Important Los Angeles County Notice
The Los Angeles amounts shown below come from the felony bail schedule currently published on the Los Angeles Superior Court website, which is dated 2022. They must not be treated as current pre-arraignment bail quotes. LASD and LAPD procedures were affected by a 2023 court injunction, and exceptions or other release procedures may apply. Call for current case-specific information.
View the current LA County Felony Bail Schedule (PDF)San Bernardino County
DUI, VC 23152
Scheduled example
$10,000
10% example
$1,000
8% example
$800
DUI with one prior
Scheduled example
$20,000
10% example
$2,000
8% example
$1,600
Battery against a spouse, PC 243(e)(1)
Scheduled example
$25,000
10% example
$2,500
8% example
$2,000
Child abuse/endangerment, PC 273a(a)
Scheduled example
$25,000
10% example
$2,500
8% example
$2,000
Felony child endangerment/corporal injury
Scheduled example
$50,000
10% example
$5,000
8% example
$4,000
Felony injury to a spouse or cohabitant
Scheduled example
$50,000
10% example
$5,000
8% example
$4,000
DUI involving injury, VC 23153
Scheduled example
$50,000
10% example
$5,000
8% example
$4,000
DUI involving injury with one prior
Scheduled example
$75,000
10% example
$7,500
8% example
$6,000
DUI involving injury with two or more priors
Scheduled example
$100,000
10% example
$10,000
8% example
$8,000
Felony stalking, PC 646.9
Scheduled example
$150,000
10% example
$15,000
8% example
$12,000
Orange County
DUI first offense, VC 23152(a–b), misdemeanor schedule
Scheduled example
$2,500
10% example
$250
8% example
$200
Battery against a spouse or specified person, PC 243(e)(1), misdemeanor schedule
Scheduled example
$10,000
10% example
$1,000
8% example
$800
Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, PC 245(a)(1)
Scheduled example
$25,000
10% example
$2,500
8% example
$2,000
Corporal injury to a spouse, cohabitant or specified person, PC 273.5
Scheduled example
$50,000
10% example
$5,000
8% example
$4,000
Willful child harm or injury likely to produce great bodily injury, PC 273a(a)
Scheduled example
$100,000
10% example
$10,000
8% example
$8,000
Shooting at an inhabited dwelling, building or occupied vehicle, PC 246
Scheduled example
$250,000
10% example
$25,000
8% example
$20,000
Los Angeles County
Published 2022 schedule reference—not a current bail quote
Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, PC 245(a)(1)
Schedule reference
$30,000
10% example
$3,000
8% example
$2,400
Published 2022 schedule reference—not a current bail quote
Corporal punishment or injury of a child, PC 273d(a)
Schedule reference
$50,000
10% example
$5,000
8% example
$4,000
Published 2022 schedule reference—not a current bail quote
Corporal injury to specified persons, PC 273.5
Schedule reference
$50,000
10% example
$5,000
8% example
$4,000
Published 2022 schedule reference—not a current bail quote
Willful child harm or injury likely to produce great bodily injury or death, PC 273a(a)
Schedule reference
$100,000
10% example
$10,000
8% example
$8,000
Published 2022 schedule reference—not a current bail quote
Shooting at an inhabited dwelling, building or occupied motor vehicle, PC 246
Schedule reference
$250,000
10% example
$25,000
8% example
$20,000
The 10% and 8% figures are arithmetic illustrations only. They are not quotes or guarantees. Actual bail, premium, eligibility for any reduced filed rate, financing terms, collateral requirements and approval depend on the case and applicable requirements. A listed schedule amount does not guarantee that monetary bail will be available or that a person will be released.
Official sources
- San Bernardino County Superior Court — Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedule
- Orange County Superior Court — 2026 Uniform Bail Schedule
- California Department of Insurance — Bail Bonds
- Los Angeles County Superior Court — Felony Bail Schedule (2022)
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department — Custody Bail Procedure Following Court Ruling
Remote Assistance
Can You Pay Bail Online?
Some parts of the bail-bond process may be completed remotely, including reviewing documents, providing information, signing approved forms and making an authorized electronic payment. This does not mean the customer is directly posting cash bail to the court through the Post It Bail Bonds website. A licensed agent reviews the case and coordinates bond posting with the appropriate facility when bail is available.
Call or submit an inquiry online to reach a licensed Post It Bail Bonds agent.
Provide the defendant's name, facility, booking number (if available) and bail amount.
Review the bail agreement, premium, payment terms and co-signer responsibilities.
Sign approved documents electronically where permitted.
Make an authorized electronic payment using an accepted method confirmed by your agent.
The licensed agent coordinates bond posting with the appropriate facility.
Court Payments, Cash Bail and Bail-Bond Payments Are Different
Paying a court fine
Paying a court fine or fee is not the same as posting bail. Court fines are paid to the court after a case is resolved. Bail is a separate financial condition of release set before the case concludes.
Posting full cash bail
Posting full cash bail generally means delivering the entire court-set bail amount through an authorized court or detention-facility process. The paying party deals directly with the facility, not through a bail-bond agency.
Using a bail-bond agency
Using a bail-bond agency means arranging for a licensed agency to post the bond on the defendant's behalf, subject to eligibility, paperwork and the surety's filed premium rate. The customer pays the applicable premium, not the full bail amount.
Post It Bail Bonds is a private, licensed agency
Post It Bail Bonds is a private, licensed California bail-bond agency and is not a court, sheriff's department or government payment portal. We do not accept court fines, restitution or government-ordered payments.
The correct process depends on your situation
The correct process depends on the county, facility, case and current custody status. A licensed agent can help you understand which path applies to your specific situation.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Pay Someone's Bail Online
"Online" may include telephone verification, electronic documents and a private payment method supplied after the case is reviewed. No money should be sent through a public payment button or to an unverified recipient.
Contact a licensed bail agent
Call or submit an online inquiry to reach a licensed Post It Bail Bonds agent. Agents are available 24 hours a day.
Provide the defendant and booking information
Share the defendant's full name, facility, booking number (if available) and the bail amount if it has been set. The agent can assist even if some information is not yet available.
Review the bail amount, premium and available terms
The agent explains the court-set bail amount, the applicable filed premium rate, payment terms, co-signer responsibilities and any collateral requirements before any agreement is signed.
Verify the agency and payment instructions
Confirm all payment details directly with Post It Bail Bonds before sending any funds. Never send money based on instructions from an unverified source.
Complete eligible documents electronically
Electronic signatures may be available for approved documents. The agent confirms which forms can be completed remotely for your specific case.
Use the secure payment method provided for the verified case
Make an authorized payment using the method confirmed by your agent after the case has been reviewed. Accepted methods are confirmed per transaction.
The agent coordinates posting with the appropriate facility
Once documents and payment are complete, the licensed agent coordinates bond posting with the appropriate jail or court.
Helping a Family Member or Friend
What the Co-Signer Needs to Know
A family member or other person — called the indemnitor or co-signer — may arrange and pay a bail bond on behalf of someone who has been arrested. The co-signer does not need to be present at the facility. With a licensed bail-bond agency, much of the process can be handled remotely.
What the Co-Signer Does
- Provides information about the defendant and the arrest.
- Reviews and signs the bail agreement, including payment terms and co-signer obligations.
- Makes the authorized premium payment using an accepted method.
- Accepts responsibility for ensuring the defendant appears at all required court dates.
What You Need to Get Started
- Defendant's full legal name and date of birth.
- The facility where the defendant is being held.
- Booking number, if available.
- Bail amount, if it has been set.
- A licensed agent can assist even if some information is not yet available.
Electronic signatures and authorized electronic payments may be available for approved transactions. A licensed agent will confirm what can be completed remotely for your specific case.
Are Bail Bond Payment Plans Available?
Payment arrangements may be available depending on the bail amount, underwriting requirements and individual circumstances. Before signing, review the total premium, initial payment, remaining balance, payment schedule, possible collateral requirements and the responsibilities of every co-signer.
Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to a Payment Plan
- What is the total premium amount?
- How much is the initial payment required to post the bond?
- What is the remaining balance and payment schedule?
- Are there any fees for late or missed payments?
- Is collateral required, and if so, what type and value?
- What are the co-signer's obligations if the defendant misses a court date?
- What happens to the bond if a payment is missed?
- Are there any authorized discounts that apply to this bond?
Cash Bail vs. a Bail Bond
Circumstances and facility procedures vary. This table provides a general comparison only.
| Factor | Cash Bail | Bail Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Amount required upfront | Full bail amount paid to the authorized jail or court. | Bail-bond premium — a percentage of the total bail amount per the filed rate. |
| Who posts the bond | The paying party posts funds directly with the facility. | A licensed bail-bond agency posts a surety bond on the defendant's behalf. |
| Refund after case ends | Generally returned after the case concludes if the defendant met all appearance obligations, minus any court-ordered deductions. | The premium is the charge for the agency's service and is generally not refunded after the bond is posted. |
| Co-signer required | Not typically required. | A co-signer (indemnitor) is usually required and accepts responsibility for the defendant's court appearances. |
| Collateral | Not typically required. | May be required depending on the bond, underwriting requirements and individual circumstances. |
| Licensed agency involved | No — payment goes directly to the facility. | Yes — a California-licensed bail-bond agency arranges and posts the surety bond. |
Confidential Help From a Licensed California Bail-Bond Agency
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- English and Spanish spoken
- Confidential consultations
- Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties
- Remote paperwork and electronic payment available for approved transactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Bail Costs or Payment Options?
Call Post It Bail Bonds for clear, confidential assistance from a licensed bail agent — available 24 hours a day throughout Southern California.