For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders ensure compliance with the '90-day rule' by remitting the upfront guaranty fee to the SBA within 90 days of the SBA loan approval date, as specified in the Authorization.
The upfront guaranty fee, calculated based on the guaranteed portion of the loan, must be paid to the SBA within 90 calendar days of the date the SBA issues its loan authorization. Failure to meet this deadline can result in the cancellation of the SBA guaranty. Lenders are responsible for timely payment.
If an SBA loan authorization is issued on January 15th, the lender must ensure the upfront guaranty fee is remitted to the SBA by April 14th. The lender sets internal reminders and processes to meet this hard deadline.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
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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