You could need anywhere from $38,000 to $87,000+ upfront to begin your surrogacy journey.

But before that number overwhelms you, understand this: what you pay upfront directly shapes how quickly you match with a surrogate, how thoroughly she’s been screened and how protected you are if complications arise.

The right upfront investment isn’t just a fee. It’s the foundation of a smoother, faster path to parenthood.

Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Fill out our contact form to connect with our surrogacy specialists.

What Does the Upfront Surrogacy Fee Cover?

Your activation fee isn’t arbitrary. It funds the critical infrastructure that makes safe, efficient matching possible.

At American Surrogacy, your upfront payment covers:

• Program Activation: This grants you immediate access to our network of pre-screened surrogates and begins your profile creation process.
• Comprehensive Surrogate Screening: Every surrogate undergoes medical, psychological, and background evaluations before you meet her. This means when you’re introduced to a potential match, she’s already been vetted. No surprises, no wasted time.
• Targeted Marketing and Outreach: We actively recruit qualified surrogates in your region through digital campaigns, community partnerships, and referral networks. This proactive approach keeps our surrogate pool robust and reduces your wait time.
• Parent Protection Safeguards: Our Limited Risk Program includes financial protections if your match doesn’t work out, covering surrogate screening, matching, and specific case management services. This helps you continue your journey without repeating costly steps.

Think of the upfront fee as the engine that powers everything else. Without it, we can’t maintain quality screening standards or invest in the marketing needed to find surrogates quickly.

Why Screening and Marketing Matter in an Upfront Fee

The agencies with the shortest wait times are the ones investing heavily in two things before you ever join their program: thorough screening and proactive surrogate recruitment.

That’s how we’re able to help most intended parents in our Foundation Program match within 1 - 4 months and many match even faster.

Here’s how these investments directly impact your wait time:

• Screening prevents delays. When surrogates are medically and psychologically cleared in advance, you avoid the heartbreak of matching with someone who later fails their evaluations.
• Marketing reduces wait times. Our robust surrogate recruitment strategy means we’re constantly adding qualified candidates to our network.

Agencies that delay these upfront investments might seem cheaper initially. But they often leave parents waiting two years or more, and facing unexpected costs when matches fall through due to inadequate screening.

Why Some Agencies Don’t Charge Upfront – and What That Means for You

Some surrogacy agencies advertise lower upfront costs or defer fees until after you’ve matched. Sounds appealing, right?

Reality is, when agencies don’t invest in screening and marketing infrastructure upfront, they’re passing the risk to you.

These agencies often:

• Match you with surrogates who haven’t completed full medical or psychological screenings
• Maintain smaller surrogate pools, leading to longer wait times
• Charge hidden fees later in the process when complications arise
• Offer minimal parent protection if your match falls through

You might save money initially, but you’ll likely pay more in both dollars and stress when delays pile up. Or when you need to start over with a new surrogate.

Quality upfront investment means quality outcomes. That’s why our surrogate screening process is comprehensive before matching, not after.

What If My Surrogacy Match Falls Through?

We recognize that surrogacy involves uncertainties. That’s why we’ve built safety nets into our full-service programs to protect both your investment and your peace of mind.

Foundation Program

This program has a lower upfront cost and traditional fee structure. It offers financial flexibility, but places more risk on the family if a match falls through or the journey changes unexpectedly.

Your costs can increase if multiple transfers are required or if you need to rematch with another surrogate.

Limited Risk Program

This program is designed to protect you from financial loss related to surrogate screening, matching, and specific case management services when a journey doesn’t work out.

These protections help maintain your budget and allow you to continue pursuing surrogacy even after unexpected disruptions occur.

Surrogacy Agencies Can Help You Plan Financially for the Journey Ahead

Quality agencies don’t just collect fees. They help you build a realistic financial roadmap from day one.

At American Surrogacy, we provide:

• Transparent cost breakdowns before you commit, so you know exactly what you’re paying for
• Payment timelines that show when each cost will be due throughout the process
• Budget planning support to help you prepare for contingencies like additional IVF cycles or travel expenses
• Financing options tailored to surrogacy (more on that below)

Understanding your financial commitment upfront allows you to plan confidently, rather than scrambling to cover unexpected costs mid-journey.

How to Budget for Surrogacy Expenses Over Time

Smart budgeting is essential when planning for surrogacy. The total journey typically costs $100,000 - $200,000+, with expenses spread across 12-24 months.

Here’s how to prepare:

• Work with Transparent Agencies: Choose an agency like American Surrogacy that provides detailed cost breakdowns upfront. You’ll never be blindsided by hidden fees.
• Plan for Unexpected Costs: Set aside 10-15% of your total budget for contingencies like additional IVF cycles, legal complications, or travel expenses. This cushion protects you if your surrogate lives far away.
• Consider Household Impact: Don’t forget to factor in future childcare costs, savings goals, and potential income changes. Consider whether one parent plans to take extended leave.

Financial preparedness reduces stress and lets you focus on the emotional aspects of building your family.

Making Surrogacy More Affordable: Financial Options

The upfront costs of surrogacy are significant, but you don’t have to shoulder them alone. Many intended parents combine multiple financial strategies to make surrogacy possible:

Fertility-Specific Financing

We partner with Sunfish, a fertility financing company that offers:

• Low-interest loans specifically for IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation
• Loan amounts up to $100,000
• Flexible repayment terms with no prepayment penalties

Future Family also provides fertility-specific loans with competitive rates tailored to family-building journeys.

Personal Loans

Banks and credit unions offer personal loans that can cover upfront surrogacy costs. These typically have:

• Shorter terms than fertility loans
• Higher interest rates
• Faster approval processes

Grants and Scholarships

Competitive but valuable options include:

• Baby Quest Foundation
• The Cade Foundation
• Men Having Babies (grant program specifically for gay fathers)

Other Resources

• 401(k) loans or hardship withdrawals
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for medical expenses
• Employer fertility benefits through providers like Progyny

Explore surrogacy programs offering financing options to find the right fit for your family.

Take The Next Step With American Surrogacy

Understanding your upfront costs is just the beginning. The right surrogacy partner will help you navigate finances, match you with a thoroughly screened surrogate, and protect your investment every step of the way.

Fill out our contact form today to get personalized financing options and take the first step toward your surrogacy journey with confidence.

You deserve more than generic quotes and hidden fees. You deserve transparency, support, and a clear path forward.