SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Generally, no, lenders cannot charge an additional "packaging fee" to the borrower on top of the SBA guaranty fee and their own customary closing costs.
SBA regulations (13 CFR 103) restrict the fees lenders and their agents can charge. Lenders can pass through certain costs, like appraisal, legal, and environmental fees, but they cannot charge separate 'packaging' or 'brokerage' fees to the borrower for services typically covered by the lender's interest rate and loan fees. The SBA views such fees as excessive.
A lender provides an SBA 7(a) loan offer including the SBA guaranty fee and standard closing costs. If they then try to add a separate '$5,000 loan packaging fee' to the borrower, this would be considered a prohibited charge by the SBA.
Lenders must comply with SBA's fee regulations to maintain their Preferred Lender Status and ensure the loan remains eligible for the guaranty. Charging unauthorized fees can lead to penalties and even loss of the SBA guaranty if discovered during an audit or loan review.
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
13 CFR Part 103 - Standards for Conducting Business with SBA
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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