For SBA lenders
Short answer
The '90-day rule' applies when a borrower obtains multiple 7(a) loans within a 90-day period. For fee calculation, these loans are aggregated as if they were one loan, to determine the total guaranteed amount and apply the appropriate tiered fee schedule.
The SBA implemented the 90-day rule to prevent borrowers from structuring multiple loans to artificially reduce their upfront guaranty fees by staying under higher fee tiers. If a borrower applies for or receives additional 7(a) loans within 90 days of an existing 7(a) loan, the guaranteed portions of all loans are combined for fee calculation purposes. This ensures the correct, potentially higher, tiered fee is applied to the aggregate amount.
A borrower receives a $750,000 7(a) loan (75% guaranteed). 60 days later, they apply for another $500,000 7(a) loan (75% guaranteed). Under the 90-day rule, the guaranteed portions ($562,500 + $375,000 = $937,500) are aggregated. The fee for the second loan is then calculated based on this aggregate amount, applying the applicable tiers (e.g., the base rate for sums over $700,000).
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Fee Calculator
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.
More on guaranty fees
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day