SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, a personal savings account can be used as collateral for an SBA 7(a) loan, typically through an assignment or pledge, especially if other business or personal assets are insufficient.
While less common than real estate or business assets, cash or marketable securities held in a savings account can serve as collateral. The lender would require a security agreement or assignment of the account, giving them a lien on the funds. This is usually considered only after exhausting other collateral options.
A startup business needs an SBA 7(a) loan but has no significant assets. The owner has a personal savings account with $75,000. The lender, needing additional collateral, might require the owner to pledge this account, meaning the funds cannot be withdrawn without lender approval.
Insider move
Lenders will verify the funds' availability and ownership, perfect their lien on the account, and ensure that the pledge agreement clearly outlines the conditions under which the funds can be accessed or used.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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.
More on collateral
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day