If someone gets arrested in Memphis but lives in another state, their bail bond costs more. That catches a lot of families off guard.
The Tennessee bail bond cost for out-of-state defendants is set higher than the rate a Tennessee resident pays, and the gap comes from state law, not from the bondsman.
A Tennessee resident pays a 10% premium, while a defendant who lives outside Tennessee can be charged up to 15%.
Here is what that difference means for the price you actually pay.
What is a bail bond premium in Tennessee?
When calling a bail bonds company in Shelby County, the premium is the fee you pay to the bail bondsman to post the bond.
The premium is a percentage of the full bail amount that has been set by the judge. You pay that premium, then the bondsman posts the full bail with the court.
For Tennessee residents, the premium is 10%. The rate is fixed and controlled by the state, so it does not change from one company to the next.
A quick example. If the court sets bail at $10,000, the premium for a Tennessee resident is $1,000. If bail is set at $20,000, the premium is $2,000. The math is the same every time. Ten percent of the bail amount.
This 10% rate is the baseline for most people arrested in Shelby County. It applies whether the arrest happens in Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, or Collierville. It only changes to a higher percentage if you’re arrested here but live in another state.
Why out-of-state defendants can be charged up to 15%
A more recent change to Tennessee law shifted the rules for non-residents. The change took effect roughly a year to a year and a half ago. It lets bail agents charge up to 15% for defendants who do not live in Tennessee.
Picture two people arrested on the same charge in Shelby County. One lives in Memphis. One lives in Horn Lake, Mississippi, or Truman, Arkansas. The Memphis resident pays the 10% rate. The out-of-state defendant can be charged up to 15%.
The reason comes down to risk and recovery. A defendant who lives in another state is harder to track and return to court if they skip a court date. Tennessee law accounts for that with a higher allowed premium.
Many states run a flat percentage for everyone. Tennessee splits it now with 10% for residents, up to 15% for non-residents. If you have used a bail bondsman in another state before, do not assume the rate carries over.
The full cost: premium plus fees
The premium is the biggest line, but it is not the only one. Two fees attach to the bond. A $25 state fee and a $12 tax. Those apply on top of the premium for both residents and out-of-state defendants.
Here is how a $10,000 bond breaks down for each.
| Cost item | Tennessee resident | Out-of-state defendant |
|---|---|---|
| Premium rate | 10% | Up to 15% |
| Premium on a $10,000 bond | $1,000 | Up to $1,500 |
| State fee | $25 | $25 |
| Tax | $12 | $12 |
| Approximate total | $1,037 | Up to $1,537 |
On a $10,000 bond, an out-of-state defendant can pay up to $500 more for the same bail amount. On larger bonds, the gap grows.
Take a $50,000 bond. A Tennessee resident pays a $5,000 premium at 10%. An out-of-state defendant can be charged up to $7,500 at 15%.
That is a $2,500 difference on a single bond, before the $25 fee and $12 tax. The fees always stay the same, so where you live moves your total the most.
Run the numbers before you commit. Ask the agent for the bail amount based on your residency status and the full total with both fees included. A clear quote should never leave you guessing.
For residents, the prices should match at every bail bondsman
Every bail bondsman in Tennessee is supposed to charge the same amount for the same situation. That is the design. A 10% resident rate is a 10% resident rate, no matter whose name is on the sign.
So, be careful with a company that offers to charge you less. If a bondsman charges below the state rate, they are breaking the rules. That can put you in a bad spot too, since you are part of the transaction.
You might save a few dollars in the moment. The risk is not worth it on a legal matter. A licensed agent who quotes you the correct rate is protecting both of you.
If a quote sounds too low, ask why. A straight answer should line up with the state rate for your residency status.
Paying for the bond and your options
When the premium is due, but the full amount up front is not always possible, All-N-One offers payment plans and interest-free financing so a family can get someone released.
Accepted payment methods are wide and include cash, check, and major credit cards, as well as Western Union, Zelle, and Cash App. Collateral can also be used until the bond is paid in full.
All-N-One also lists special consideration for certain groups, including government employees, union workers, seniors, veterans, students, MLGW, and FedEx. Ask what applies to your situation when you call.
You can start the paperwork in two ways. Call or text 901-523-2245, or use the online bail application. A licensed agent reviews the information and moves on it right away.
Where All-N-One posts bonds
All-N-One serves all of Shelby County. That covers Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, downtown, General Sessions, and Criminal Court. A staff member walks each bond into the jail to keep the release moving.
Coverage runs past Shelby County, too. All-N-One also posts bonds in Dyer County and Lake County.
The office sits at 238 Poplar Ave, Suite 1, in Memphis, and the phones run 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The company carries more than 65 years of combined experience and a Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance license.
Frequently asked questions
I was arrested in Memphis, but I live in Mississippi. Do I pay 10% or 15%?
You fall under the non-resident rate. A defendant who lives outside Tennessee can be charged up to 15% on the bail amount, plus the $25 state fee and the $12 tax. A Memphis resident on the same charge would pay 10%.
Can a Tennessee bail bondsman charge me less than 10%?
No. The premium rate is set by the state, and every agent is supposed to charge the same amount. A company that charges below the rate is breaking the rules, which can create a problem for you as well. A correct quote is the safe quote.
Is the bail bond premium the same at every company in Tennessee?
For out-of-state visitors, no. For residents, yes, the rate is fixed and controlled by the state, so it does not move from one bail bonds company to another. What can differ is service, speed, and payment flexibility, not the regulated premium rate.
What is the difference between bail and the bail bond premium?
Bail is the full amount the judge sets for release. The premium is the percentage you pay a bondsman to post that full amount on your behalf. On a $10,000 bail for a Tennessee resident, the premium is $1,000.
Who sets the bail amount in Shelby County?
A judge sets the bail amount. Depending on the date of arrest, the process can take up to five days before a defendant appears in front of a judge.
What if I cannot pay the full premium up front?
All-N-One offers payment plans and interest-free financing. You can still get the release moving without paying the entire premium at once. Call 901-523-2245 to set up an arrangement.
What payment methods does All-N-One accept?
Cash, check, and major credit cards, along with Western Union, Zelle, and Cash App. Collateral can be used until the bond is paid in full.
Does All-N-One post bonds outside Shelby County?
Yes. Beyond all of Shelby County, All-N-One also serves Dyer County and Lake County.
Does the 15% rate apply to every out-of-state defendant?
No. The law only sets 15% as the cap for non-residents, so an out-of-state defendant can be charged up to that rate.
What to do next
- Confirm the bail amount the court set and write it down.
- Note the defendant’s home state. That decides the 10% or up-to-15% rate.
- Ask for a full quote with the premium, the $25 fee, and the $12 tax included.
- Compare any unusually low offer against the state rate before you accept it.
- Ask about payment plans or interest-free financing if the full premium is tight.
- Contact All-N-One at 901-523-2245 by call or text, or start the online bail application.
