{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-repayment","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/loan-repayment","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"loan-repayment","term":"Loan Repayment","group":"The loan itself","definition":"Loan repayment is the process of paying back the principal and interest on your SBA loan according to the agreed-upon schedule. Consistent repayment is critical to avoid default.","what_it_means":"Your SBA 7(a) loan will have a fixed or variable interest rate and an amortization schedule dictating monthly principal and interest payments. Ensure your business's projected cash flow comfortably covers these payments, as demonstrated by your debt service coverage ratio. Missing payments can lead to default and calls on your personal guarantee.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-repayment","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"principal-and-interest","term":"Principal and interest","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/principal-and-interest"},{"slug":"amortization","term":"Amortization","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/amortization"},{"slug":"debt-service","term":"Debt service","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/debt-service"},{"slug":"dscr","term":"DSCR","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/dscr"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What are the typical repayment terms for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-are-the-typical-repayment-terms-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What are the typical repayment periods for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-are-the-typical-repayment-periods-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What is the typical repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-the-typical-repayment-period-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What is the typical repayment frequency for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-the-typical-repayment-frequency-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What is the usual repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-the-usual-repayment-period-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What is the shortest loan repayment period available for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-the-shortest-loan-repayment-period-available-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Loan Repayment","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-repayment","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}