# Can you get an SBA loan if you have cash in the bank?

**Short answer:** Possibly. The lender must consider the liquidity of the business and of owners of 20% or more, including spouses and minor children. SBA lets owners keep reasonable funds for medical, education and retirement needs (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. H).

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Last checked: 2026-11-08

Yes, but the lender has to test it. The lender must determine that some or all of the loan is not available from the liquidity of the applicant and its owners. See SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. H.

## Whose cash counts

- The applicant business.
- Owners of 20% or more of the equity.
- Their spouses and minor children.

## What you can keep

SBA permits owners to keep reasonable funds set aside for possible future medical expenses, educational expenses (including for the owner's children) and retirement needs. The applicant may keep reasonable funds for capital expenses over the next 24 months and for working capital.

SOP 50 10 8.1 does not put a dollar figure on reasonable. That judgment falls to the lender and, on non-delegated loans, to SBA.

## What some or all means

The determination covers some or all of the loan, so having cash does not end the inquiry. If your liquidity could cover part of the need, ask your lender how that affects the loan amount and your equity.

## Other notes

Liquidity is one of two tests. The other is whether conventional credit is available on reasonable terms. SBA Express lenders must address both as well (Sec. B, Ch. 2, Para. C.2).

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. H (p. 37)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 2, Para. C.2 (about p. 132)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)