For SBA lenders
Short answer
The maximum percentage of an SBA 7(a) loan that the SBA will guarantee is 85% for loans up to $150,000 and 75% for loans exceeding $150,000.
The SBA guaranty percentage varies by loan size. For loans up to and including $150,000, the guaranty is 85%. For loans exceeding $150,000, the guaranty is 75%. The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5,000,000, regardless of the guaranty percentage.
A lender approves a $100,000 7(a) loan for a new business. The SBA will guarantee 85% of this loan, or $85,000. For a $1,000,000 7(a) loan, the SBA will guarantee 75%, or $750,000.
Lenders must correctly calculate the SBA's guaranteed portion for each loan. This directly impacts the lender's exposure and the fee paid to the SBA. Miscalculation can lead to errors in fee payments or understanding risk.
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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