SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Packaging fees are charges for preparing the loan application and business plan. They can sometimes be included in the loan amount, but they are limited by SBA rules and must be reasonable.
The SBA permits lenders or loan packagers to charge reasonable fees for assisting with loan preparation, but these fees are subject to caps and must be disclosed. Any fees over $2,500 (for loans over $50,000) typically require justification and cannot exceed a certain percentage of the loan amount.
For a $1,000,000 acquisition loan, a packaging fee of $5,000 might be charged. This amount could potentially be rolled into the loan, provided it's justified and within SBA limits.
Insider move
Lenders ensure all fees charged to the borrower, including packaging fees, comply with SBA regulations. They verify that fees are for actual services rendered and are properly documented and disclosed in the loan authorization.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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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