SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
For FY2026, the upfront guaranty fee varies by loan size: 0% for loans up to $150,000, 3% for loans between $150,001 and $700,000, and 3.5% for loans between $700,001 and $5,000,000 (with an additional 0.25% for loans over $1M).
The SBA charges lenders an upfront guaranty fee, which lenders typically pass on to the borrower, to offset the cost to the government of providing the loan guarantee. The fee is calculated on the guaranteed portion of the loan and is tiered based on the total loan amount.
For a $600,000 acquisition loan (where 75% is guaranteed, or $450,000), the upfront guaranty fee would be 3% of the guaranteed portion, resulting in a fee of $13,500.
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
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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