SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Yes, lenders can charge their own reasonable and customary fees in addition to the SBA's guaranty fee and ongoing servicing fee.
While the SBA sets limits on certain fees and requires the SBA guaranty fee, lenders are permitted to charge other fees consistent with their normal lending practices, provided they are reasonable and customary. These can include application fees, packaging fees, legal fees, or administrative fees. All fees must be disclosed to the borrower.
A buyer applies for a $500,000 SBA loan. In addition to the SBA guaranty fee of approximately 3% ($15,000) and ongoing servicing fee, the lender might charge a separate origination fee of 1% ($5,000) and a packaging fee of $2,500. These would be additional costs for the borrower.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
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
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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