SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Generally, no additional upfront fees specific to SBA are allowed. Lenders typically charge standard loan closing costs, but they cannot impose a separate packaging fee on the borrower.
The SBA limits fees that lenders can charge borrowers. Apart from the SBA guaranty fee, lenders may charge reasonable and customary closing costs (e.g., appraisal fees, legal fees, title insurance). However, they cannot charge a separate 'SBA packaging fee' or 'broker fee' directly to the borrower. Any agent fees must be paid from the lender's spread or disclosed and approved by the SBA.
A buyer receives a $500,000 SBA loan. Besides the SBA guaranty fee, the closing costs include a $3,000 appraisal fee, $2,000 in legal fees, and $1,500 for title insurance, which are standard closing costs, not SBA-specific fees.
Insider move
Lenders must adhere strictly to SBA's fee limitations to avoid a 'repair' or 'denial' of the guaranty. They ensure all fees charged are reasonable, customary, and allowed by SBA regulations, and that they are properly disclosed to the borrower.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
13 CFR Part 103 - Standards for Conducting Business with SBA
Last checked 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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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