SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, borrowers typically pay an annual ongoing servicing fee to the SBA for their 7(a) loan. This fee is collected by the lender and passed on to the SBA.
In addition to an upfront guaranty fee, the SBA charges an ongoing servicing fee (also known as the annual service fee or annual guarantee fee) to the lender, which the lender passes on to the borrower. For fiscal year 2026, this fee is typically 0.36% of the guaranteed portion of the outstanding principal balance. This fee helps cover the administrative costs of the SBA's loan program.
For a $500,000 SBA 7(a) loan with a 75% guarantee, the guaranteed portion is $375,000. The borrower would pay an annual ongoing servicing fee of 0.36% of $375,000, which equals $1,350 per year.
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
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
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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