SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, borrowers typically pay an upfront SBA Guaranty Fee, which is a percentage of the guaranteed portion of the loan, and potentially a lender's origination or packaging fee.
The SBA charges a one-time guaranty fee to the lender, which is usually passed on to the borrower. This fee is calculated based on the guaranteed portion of the loan amount and varies annually based on fiscal year notices. Lenders may also charge reasonable packaging or origination fees for their services, which are subject to SBA caps to prevent excessive charges.
For a $500,000 loan with an 85% SBA guarantee, the guaranteed portion is $425,000. The SBA guaranty fee would be 3% of $425,000, which is $12,750, paid by the borrower at closing.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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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