For SBA lenders
Short answer
While specific credit scores are not mandated, the SBA expects lenders to evaluate the borrower's credit history for repayment ability, character, and willingness to honor obligations, looking for defaults, bankruptcies, or significant liens.
SOP 50 10 requires lenders to assess the creditworthiness of all principals. This includes a review of personal and business credit reports, looking for signs of poor financial character, such as recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, unresolved judgments, or defaults on federal debt. While the SBSS score is sunset for Small Loans, the underlying principles of credit analysis remain.
A lender reviews a borrower's credit report and finds a satisfied judgment from five years ago. Although satisfied, the lender requires the borrower to provide an explanation to understand the circumstances and assess character.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
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 citizenship/residency
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