SBA loan basics
Short answer
While the SBA does not publish a universal minimum credit score, lenders typically look for a FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) score above a certain threshold, often 155, and good personal credit.
Lenders evaluate the creditworthiness of both the business and its principals. A strong personal credit history demonstrates a borrower's reliability, and the SBSS score helps assess small loan eligibility.
An applicant with an SBSS score of 160 and no significant derogatory personal credit history would likely meet the credit score threshold for many lenders. An applicant with a score of 140 might be declined.
Insider move
Lenders use credit scores as an initial screening tool for eligibility and risk assessment. They will also review the full credit report for any delinquencies, bankruptcies, or judgments that indicate repayment risk.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
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.
More on eligibility & credit
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