SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, borrowers are typically responsible for an upfront SBA guaranty fee and a small ongoing service fee. There may also be standard third-party closing costs such as appraisal, legal, and environmental fees.
The SBA charges an upfront guaranty fee, calculated as a percentage of the guaranteed portion of the loan, which is paid by the borrower. There's also an ongoing service fee that lenders pay the SBA, which may be passed on to the borrower. Additionally, standard closing costs (e.g., attorney fees, appraisal, title insurance) are borne by the borrower.
For a $500,000 loan with an 85% SBA guarantee, the upfront guaranty fee for FY2026 might be around 2.22% on the guaranteed portion ($425,000), equaling $9,435. This fee is often rolled into the loan.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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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