---
title: "ERISA Bond vs. Fidelity Bond: What Is the Difference?"
description: "An ERISA bond protects a benefit plan against specified fraud or dishonesty losses; a general fidelity bond may not meet ERISA rules."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/erisa-bond-vs-fidelity-bond"
page-type: "faq-question"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
---

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# ERISA Bond vs. Fidelity Bond: What Is the Difference?

An ERISA bond protects a benefit plan against specified fraud or dishonesty losses; a general fidelity bond may not meet ERISA rules.

An ERISA bond protects a benefit plan against specified fraud or dishonesty losses; a general fidelity bond may not meet ERISA rules.

Check that the employee benefit plan is the protected party, all required handlers and plan assets are within the bond, and the amount meets the current rules for each plan. Review exclusions, deductible terms, surety eligibility, and any exemption relied on. Ask the issuer or broker to confirm in writing that the form is intended to satisfy ERISA § 412 for your plan’s facts.

## Related Questions

- [Fiduciary Liability vs. Fidelity Bond: What Is the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/fiduciary-liability-vs-fidelity-bond)
- [Fiduciary Liability vs. ERISA Bond: What Is the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/fiduciary-liability-vs-erisa-bond)
- [How Much ERISA Bond Coverage Do I Need?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/how-much-erisa-bond-coverage-do-i-need)
- [Fiduciary Liability vs. D&O: What Is the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/fiduciary-liability-vs-do)

## Related Coverage

- [Fidelity bonds](https://spot.insure/coverage/fidelity-bonds)
- [Fiduciary liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/fiduciary)

## Sources

1. [Understanding Your Fiduciary Responsibilities Under a Group Health Plan](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/understanding-your-fiduciary-responsibilities-under-a-group-health-plan). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Who Is a Fiduciary?; What Is the Significance of Being a Fiduciary?; Bonding. Accessed 2026-09-25.
2. [Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Q2 pp.2–3. Accessed 2026-09-25.
3. [Management and Professional Liability Insurance](https://www.travelers.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance). Travelers; Select a product: D&O, EPL, ERISA fidelity insurance and fiduciary liability insurance. Accessed 2026-09-25.

More answers: [Fiduciary Liability and ERISA Bonds FAQ](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability).

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