# Does an SBA lender check your personal credit?

**Short answer:** Yes. On Standard 7(a) and 7(a) Small loans, the lender must review the personal credit reports of owners and guarantors. SBA sets no minimum score. Source: SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 1, Para. C.2.a; Ch. 2, Para. C.2.a.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/does-an-sba-lender-check-personal-credit/
Last checked: 2026-11-09

Yes, on Standard 7(a), 7(a) Small and 504 loans. On Standard 7(a) and 7(a) Small loans, the lender must review the personal credit reports of owners and guarantors. It must also discuss any credit issues (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 1, Para. C.2.a; Ch. 2, Para. C.2.a).

## Report timing

On non-delegated loans, a copy of the report dated within 90 days goes to SBA with the application.

## 504 loans

The Certified Development Company (CDC) must review personal credit reports for all guarantors, individual affiliates who are guarantors and individual co-borrowers. Reports must be current within 90 days (Sec. C, Ch. 1, Para. E, Credit Reports, about p. 249).

## SBA Express

The lender uses its normal credit process for similar non-SBA loans, which may include credit scoring. A business credit scoring model may not rely solely on consumer credit scores (Sec. B, Ch. 2, Para. C.2.b).

## How scores fit in

SBA sets no minimum credit score; the lender applies its own credit standards. FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS): discontinued for 7(a) Small loans effective March 1, 2026; lenders use their own commercial credit analysis, and scoring models are optional. 13 CFR 120.150 lets lenders consider the credit history of the applicant, its Associates and any guarantors.

## What to do first

Pull your own reports before you apply. Be ready to explain late payments, collections, judgments and liens. Lenders must address these in the file, and credit policies vary by lender.

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 1, Para. C.2.a (about p. 119)](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 pp. 128-133)](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. C, Ch. 1, Para. E, Credit Reports (about p. 249)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [13 CFR § 120.150](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.150)
- [SBA Procedural Notice 5000-876777 (effective March 1, 2026)](https://legacy.sba.gov/document/procedural-notice-5000-876777-sunset-sbss-score-supplemental-guidance)