SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
The upfront SBA guaranty fee for a borrower typically ranges from 0.00% to 3.50% of the guaranteed portion of the loan, depending on the loan amount and type.
The SBA charges an upfront guaranty fee to lenders, which is typically passed on to the borrower. The fee structure is tiered based on the loan amount and can change annually. For smaller loans ($150,000 or less), the fee is often 0%. For larger loans, it's a percentage of the guaranteed portion.
For a $100,000 loan, the upfront guaranty fee might be 0%. For a $1,000,000 loan with a 75% SBA guaranty, the fee could be around 2.75% of $750,000, which is $20,625.
Insider move
Lenders must correctly calculate and collect the SBA guaranty fee according to the current fiscal year's schedule. They explain this fee to the borrower as it's a significant closing cost.
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 2026-06-13. 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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