SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
No, the upfront SBA guaranty fee is generally non-refundable, even if your loan is paid off early.
The SBA guaranty fee is a one-time upfront fee paid by the lender (and typically passed to the borrower) at the time of loan disbursement. This fee compensates the SBA for providing its guarantee. It is non-refundable, regardless of when the loan is paid off. Similarly, the ongoing annual service fee is also non-refundable for the period it covers.
You take out a $1,000,000 SBA 7(a) loan, incurring an upfront guaranty fee of approximately $25,000. If you pay off this loan completely after just one year, you will not receive any portion of the $25,000 fee back.
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Fee Calculator
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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