SBA loan basics
Short answer
There are typically two main fees associated with an SBA 7(a) loan: an upfront SBA guaranty fee and an ongoing annual service fee, plus potential lender packaging fees.
The SBA charges a one-time guaranty fee to the lender, which is usually passed on to the borrower. This fee varies based on the guaranteed portion of the loan and the loan amount (e.g., for FY2026, it's 3.5% for the guaranteed portion over $1 million). There is also an ongoing annual service fee (e.g., 0.34% for loans over $150,000) on the outstanding guaranteed balance. Lenders may also charge reasonable packaging or closing fees.
For a $1,000,000 loan with an 85% SBA guaranty, the upfront fee (FY26) could be around 3.5% of the guaranteed portion, or $29,750 (0.035 * $850,000). The annual service fee would be 0.34% of the guaranteed outstanding balance, paid quarterly.
Insider move
Lenders must accurately calculate and disclose all SBA-mandated fees to the borrower. They also ensure that any additional lender fees are reasonable and customary, and permissible under SBA regulations, to maintain the guaranty.
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Fee Calculator
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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