For SBA lenders
Short answer
Yes, the SBA sometimes waives or reduces the upfront guaranty fee for specific loan programs or categories, such as very small loans (e.g., $150,000 or less) or certain export loan programs.
The SBA sets the upfront guaranty fees annually, but it also has discretion to adjust or waive these fees for certain loan products to encourage specific lending activities or support smaller businesses. For instance, loans of $150,000 or less historically have had a 0% guaranty fee. Export loan programs also frequently benefit from reduced fees to incentivize international trade financing. Lenders must refer to the latest SBA fee schedules for current rates and waivers.
A borrower applies for a $100,000 7(a) loan. Based on the current fiscal year's fee schedule, the lender informs the borrower that no upfront guaranty fee will be charged to the SBA for this loan size, significantly reducing the borrower's closing costs.
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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