Common Sense Underwriting - First Class Experience Merchants Bonding Company specializes in contract and commercial surety bo ... nds, with an “A” (Excellent) or higher rating from A.M. Best for 57 consecutive years (Best's Review, July 2015). We provide contract surety bonds, commercial license and permit, notary, probate, public official, and fidelity bonds. Merchants Bonding Company is among the top 15 largest surety writers in the United States, with more than 80 years of consistency, common sense underwriting and first class customer service. Merchants is unique because our focus is almost exclusively on surety. Unlike other insurance companies with multiple lines of business, Merchants has honed its expertise in contract and commercial surety bonding. Merchants underwriting distinguishes itself from the competition by treating each account as unique. Merchants considers both business and personal net worth to create what we call common sense underwriting. Common Sense Underwriting is the foundation of brand promise to our agents, agencies and principles. Merchants has offices in: Des Moines, Iowa; Austin and Dallas, Texas; Seattle, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois. read more