SBA loan basics
Short answer
Besides interest, the primary fee for an SBA 7(a) loan is an upfront guaranty fee paid to the SBA, and some lenders may charge packaging fees or other closing costs.
The SBA charges an upfront guaranty fee, calculated as a percentage of the guaranteed portion of the loan, which is typically passed on to the borrower. This fee helps offset the cost of the program. Lenders may also charge reasonable and customary fees for packaging, legal, and closing costs.
For a $500,000 loan with an 85% SBA guarantee, the guaranteed portion is $425,000. If the upfront guaranty fee is 2.25% of the guaranteed portion, the borrower pays $9,562.50 to the SBA at closing.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Fee Calculator
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.
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