FAQ – Bonded Out

Question 1

Is Bonded Out a bail bond company?

Accepted Answer

No. Bonded Out is software for licensed bonding companies. We don't write bonds or provide bail.

Question 2

How fast can we get set up?

Accepted Answer

Most companies are up and running the same day: sign up, add your offices, counties and agents, and start writing bonds.

Question 3

Can we bring our records over from our current software?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Import your clients and bonds from a spreadsheet export (CSV), including court dates, balances and notes, plus a separate upload for photos and attachments.

Question 4

Will you help us get set up?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's free. We'll help you get set up and bring your records over from your current software.

Question 5

Are there setup fees or long-term contracts?

Accepted Answer

No setup fees and no contracts. Upgrade, downgrade or cancel anytime from My Account.

Question 6

What happens to our data if we cancel?

Accepted Answer

We keep your company's data for 30 days after you cancel. If you come back or need anything from it within those 30 days, contact us.

Question 7

Can I see it before signing up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Request a demo and we'll walk you through it, or start free and try it yourself.

Question 8

Is it a fit for a small, one-office agency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Starter is built for 1–2 agents, and you can move up as you grow.

Question 9

Do my clients or co-signers need to download an app?

Accepted Answer

No. Reminders, payment links, check-ins and the client portal all open from a text in their phone's browser.

Question 10

Can clients sign the bond paperwork from their phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Send the bond packet by text or email; they fill it out and e-sign it online. No trip to the office.

Question 11

How do court reminders work?

Accepted Answer

Add the court date once. The client and co-signers get automatic text reminders before court, and you're alerted by text and email if a client misses court.

Question 12

Will Bonded Out help reduce forfeitures?

Accepted Answer

That's the goal: automatic court reminders, missed-court alerts, check-ins and GPS check-ins help keep clients on track, and you hear about problems fast.

Question 13

How do clients pay?

Accepted Answer

Text them a payment link, or they pay from the client portal, by card through your own Clover account.

Question 14

Does Bonded Out take a cut or hold our money?

Accepted Answer

No. Payments go straight into your Clover account; Bonded Out never holds the funds. Clover's normal card processing fees apply.

Question 15

Do I need a Clover account?

Accepted Answer

Only to take card payments online. You can record cash and other payments in Bonded Out without one.

Question 16

Can I set up payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 3, 6 or 9 months, with an automatic reminder before each due date, a pay link on the due date, and a late notice if it's missed.

Question 17

Do I need my own texting service or phone number?

Accepted Answer

No. Texting is built in and works the day you sign up.

Question 18

What about text consent and opt-outs?

Accepted Answer

Clients opt in on their bond paperwork, and anyone who replies STOP is opted out automatically.

Question 19

Can I control what my agents can do?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Agents are invited by email and only see your company's data, and only the owner can delete bonds.

Question 20

Does it track commissions and hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Set a commission rate per agent, and hourly staff can use the built-in time clock with overtime and clock-in location.

Question 21

Does it work on an iPad, tablet or phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Install it on any device from the app page; no app store needed.

Question 22

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bonded Out is free for every company through December 31, 2026. Add a card any time before then; you won't be charged until January 1, 2027. Companies that sign up after that get a 14-day free trial.

Question 23

Are there per-bond fees?

Accepted Answer

No, never. You pay one flat monthly price regardless of how many bonds you write.

Question 24

Can I change plans later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upgrade or downgrade anytime from My Account inside the app.

Question 25

What happens if I go over my texts?

Accepted Answer

Each plan includes texts every month (50 on Starter, 150 on Agency, 1,000 on Multi-Office). Extra texts are billed at 10 cents each.

Question 26

Do you offer discounts for paying yearly?

Accepted Answer

Yes — annual billing saves about 15% compared to paying month to month.

Question 27

How is GPS check-in priced?

Accepted Answer

It's an add-on: $20/month covers up to 10 people enrolled, $30 up to 20, $40 up to 30, and $10 for each additional 10. Ending someone's monitoring frees up their spot.

Question 28

Can my clients check their court dates and balance themselves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every plan includes the client portal. Send a client or co-signer a private link by text or email and they can see upcoming court dates, their balance, payments and payment plan, and pay by card through your company's Clover account. Co-signers only see the bond they signed, and you can turn a link off anytime.

Question 29

What is Scout, the AI Assistant?

Accepted Answer

Scout is an optional $10/month add-on for any plan. Ask it questions about your clients, bonds, payments, balances and court dates in plain English, and have it draft text messages for your clients and co-signers. You review every text before it is sent. It only reads your own company's data.

Question 30

Can Scout tell me if a client gets re-arrested?

Accepted Answer

Coming soon. Scout will watch every client on an active bond around the clock and text you and the client's agent the moment one of them is booked into jail in 45+ states, so you can act before a missed court date turns into a forfeiture.

Question 31

How do I get help?

Accepted Answer

Email support@bondedout.com and we'll get back to you. Multi-Office plans get priority support.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Clients, court & forfeitures

Payments

Texting

Your team

Pricing & plans

Support

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