The bearing strength of composite-steel bolted joints using protruding and countersunk bolts is tested for three different layups to study the effects of bolt head types on the bearing strength. The bearing strength coefficient of countersunk bolted joint is obtained. Test results show that the bearing strength of countersunk bolted joints is roughly 90% of that of protruding bolted joints,while the corresponding joint stiffness is only 40%—50% of that of protruding bolted joints. Finite element models are generated to numerically analyze the mechanical behavior of composite-steel bolted joints using protruding and countersunk fasteners respectively under in-plane tensile load.The Hashin failure criteria and the Tan-Camanho damage propagation method are adopted. The predicted offset and ultimate bearing strength shows a good correlation to the test results with error less than 15%.