People post large bonds using a bail bondsman, property as collateral, high-value assets, nonprofit bail funds, family assistance, or requesting a bail reduction. Paying cash directly to the court is also an option, though it requires substantial funds. Bail bond companies and property bonds help secure release without paying the full amount upfront.
This guide explains all available options for posting large bonds in detail. Click below to jump right in:
- Use a Bail Bond Service to Post Large Bonds
- How Bail Bond Services Work
- Choose Apex for Large Bail Bonds in Burlington, NC
- Use Property as Security to Post Expensive Bonds
- How Property Bonds Work
- What Property Can Be Used?
- Use High-Value Assets Like Vehicles as Collateral for Large Bonds
- Some Nonprofit Bail Funds Post Large Bonds for Eligible Defendants
- You Can Raise Money from Family
- You Can Request a Bail Reduction so the Amount is Manageable
- You Can Pay in Cash Directly to the Court
If you have any questions or need bail bond services in Burlington, NC, call (336) 394-8890.

Use a Bail Bond Service to Post Large Bonds
Many people use a bail bond service when they cannot afford the entire bail amount. A bail bondsman pays the bail for a fee, making it easier for the defendant to get released.
How Bail Bond Services Work
- The defendant or their family contacts a licensed bail bondsman.
- The bail bondsman charges a percentage of the total bail amount (typically 10%–15%). Use our bond calculator to determine how much a bondsman will charge you.
- Some cases require collateral, such as property or valuables, to secure the bond.
- The bail bondsman guarantees the full bail amount to the court.
- The defendant must comply with all court appearances to avoid forfeiting collateral.
Choose Apex for Large Bail Bonds in Burlington NC
When faced with high bail amounts, you need a trusted, experienced bail bond agency that can move fast. Apex Bail Bonds is your top choice in Burlington, NC, offering reliable service for complex and high-value bonds.
Why Apex Bail Bonds Is the Best Choice for Large Bail Bonds in Burlington, NC
- Dually Licensed in North Carolina & Virginia – Apex Bail Bonds is the only bail bond agency in the region with licenses in both states, making multi-state bail posting easier.
- Experience with Large Bonds – Owner Fred Shanks, IV has posted bonds up to $1 million and multiple six-figure bonds in a single day. Many bail bondsmen struggle with large bond processing, but Apex Bail Bonds specializes in them. We rarely charge more than a 10% fee for large bonds.
- Fast Processing Times – Apex Bail Bonds has posted a $250,000 bond in just two hours—a speed few agencies can match.
- Flexible Bond Payment Plans – If you don’t have disposable income to cover a high bond, Apex Bail Bonds offers payment plans to make the process easier.
- Property Bonds & High-Value Asset Collateral – We can quickly secure a bond with real estate, vehicles, and other assets. Out-of-state property bonds are also available.
What to Expect When Posting a Large Bond with Apex
- Call Apex Bail Bonds at (336) 394-8890 for immediate assistance.
- Provide details about the defendant and the charges.
- Discuss available options, including flexible payment plans.
- We process the bond fast—sometimes in under two hours!
- Your loved one is released, and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you or a loved one needs immediate assistance posting bail in Burlington, NC, call Apex Bail Bonds at (336) 394-8890 for expert support.
Use Property as Security to Post Expensive Bonds
If cash is not available, real estate or property can be used to cover the bail amount.
How Property Bonds Work
- The court places a lien on the property until the case ends.
- The defendant must go to all court dates or risk losing the property.
- When the case is finished, the lien is removed and the owner keeps their property.
What Property Can Be Used?
- Houses or land
- Commercial buildings
- Other valuable real estate
Property bonds take longer to process but are a good option when cash is unavailable.
You Can Use High-Value Assets Like Vehicles as Collateral for Large Bonds
Some courts and bail bond services allow people to use valuable items as collateral instead of cash.
How It Works
- The owner shows proof of value (title, appraisal, or documents).
- The item is held as security until the case ends.
- If the defendant attends court, the item is returned.
- If the defendant misses court, the item is taken.
Examples of Valuables That Can Be Used
- Luxury cars, motorcycles, or boats
- Fine jewelry and watches
- Stocks, bonds, or investments
Some Nonprofit Bail Funds Post Large Bonds for Eligible Defendants
Certain nonprofit groups help people who cannot afford bail. These organizations focus on low-income defendants or cases where bail is too high.
How Nonprofit Bail Funds Work
- The defendant or family applies for help.
- The nonprofit reviews the case and may cover the bail.
- If approved, the nonprofit pays the bail directly to the court.
- The defendant must go to all court dates or risk losing future assistance.
Who Qualifies for Help?
- People with low income
- Defendants facing high bail amounts
- Cases involving nonviolent offenses
Groups like The Bail Project offer support, but funds are limited and unavailable everywhere.
You Can Raise Money from Family
One way to pay bail is to ask for help from family and friends. Many people rely on their loved ones to cover the cost.
Ways to Raise Bail Money
- Loans from family
- Community fundraising
- Online crowdfunding (e.g., GoFundMe)
This option depends on family members’ financial ability and willingness to contribute.
You Can Request a Bail Reduction so the Amount is Manageable
A lawyer can request a bail reduction hearing if bail is too high. Judges sometimes lower bail if it is too expensive.
How to Request a Bail Reduction
- A lawyer files a request for lower bail.
- The judge looks at income, case details, and risk factors.
- If approved, bail is reduced, making it easier to pay.
Reasons a Judge Might Lower Bail
- First-time offense
- No flight risk
- Strong ties to the community
- Low income or financial hardship
You Can Pay in Cash Directly to the Court
Some people pay the full bail amount in cash if they have the money available.
How Cash Bail Works
- The person pays the full amount to the court.
- The money is refunded if the defendant attends court (minus fees).
- If the defendant misses court, the money is lost.
Pros and Cons of Cash Bail
Pros:
- Fastest way to secure release
- No extra fees
Cons:
- Requires a large amount of cash upfront
- Money is tied up until the case is finished
FAQs
People post expensive bonds using a bail bondsman, use property as collateral, or pay the full amount in cash. A bail bondsman charges a non-refundable percentage, usually 10-15% of the total bail, while property bonds require real estate or valuable assets to secure the bond.
The best way to post large bail depends on financial resources. Hiring a bail bondsman allows release with a fraction of the bail amount, while paying in full avoids fees but requires access to large sums. Property bonds provide an alternative if liquid funds are unavailable.
The largest bond ever posted was $3 billion.