SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Borrowers typically pay an upfront SBA guaranty fee, an ongoing servicing fee, and customary lender fees such as packaging, legal, and appraisal fees.
The SBA charges an upfront guaranty fee, which varies by loan amount and fiscal year, and a small ongoing servicing fee. Lenders also charge their own customary fees for processing, underwriting, and closing the loan, which can be financed into the loan.
For a $500,000 loan in FY2026, the upfront SBA guaranty fee might be around $7,000, plus ongoing servicing fees. Additionally, the lender might charge a packaging fee of $2,500 and legal fees of $3,000.
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
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
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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