# SBA loan questions and answers

**Short answer:** These 412 answers cover SBA loan rules in 19 topics. Each gives the rule first and names the SBA source it rests on.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/
Last checked: 2026-11-09

Each page answers one question about SBA loans. It gives the rule first, names the SOP section, CFR section or notice it rests on, and says when a figure varies by lender. Pick a topic, or start with the common questions below.

## Browse by topic

- [Eligibility: 59 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/eligibility/)
- [Use of proceeds: 22 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/use-of-proceeds/)
- [Refinancing: 33 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/refinancing/)
- [Collateral: 19 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/collateral/)
- [Personal guarantees: 15 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/guarantees/)
- [Equity injection: 15 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/equity-injection/)
- [Buying a business: 27 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/ownership-changes/)
- [Real estate: 17 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/real-estate/)
- [Rates and fees: 34 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/rates-and-fees/)
- [Loan terms: 16 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/terms/)
- [SBA Express: 23 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-express/)
- [CAPLines and export: 26 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/caplines-and-export/)
- [504 loans: 26 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/504/)
- [Microloans: 8 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/microloans/)
- [Applying and closing: 18 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/process/)
- [Documents and forms: 19 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/documents/)
- [After closing: 18 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/after-closing/)
- [Veterans: 6 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/veterans/)
- [Disaster loans: 11 answers](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/disaster/)

## Start with these

The questions most owners need answered before they talk to a lender.

- [What makes a business eligible for an SBA 7(a) or 504 loan?: Eligibility](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/what-makes-a-business-eligible-for-an-sba-loan/)
- [How is SBA Express different from a standard 7(a) loan?: SBA Express](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-express-vs-standard-7a/)
- [What is the maximum SBA Express loan amount?: SBA Express](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-express-maximum-loan-amount/)
- [What is the maximum interest rate on an SBA Express loan?: SBA Express](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-express-maximum-interest-rate/)
- [Does an SBA Express loan require collateral?: Collateral](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/does-an-sba-express-loan-require-collateral/)
- [What can an SBA 7(a) loan be used for?: Use of proceeds](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/what-can-an-sba-7a-loan-be-used-for/)
- [Can a startup get an SBA loan?: Eligibility](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/can-a-startup-get-an-sba-loan/)
- [Is there a minimum credit score for an SBA loan?: Eligibility](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/is-there-a-minimum-credit-score-for-an-sba-loan/)
- [Who has to personally guarantee an SBA loan?: Personal guarantees](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/who-must-personally-guarantee-an-sba-loan/)
- [What documents do you need for an SBA 7(a) loan?: Documents and forms](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/what-documents-do-you-need-for-an-sba-7a-loan/)
- [How long does an SBA Express loan take?: SBA Express](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/how-long-does-an-sba-express-loan-take/)
- [Can an SBA loan refinance existing business debt?: Refinancing](https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/can-an-sba-loan-refinance-existing-business-debt/)

How we write answers

We state SBA's rule and cite where it comes from. We do not estimate approval odds or promise a decision time. SBA publishes none for SBA Express, and its public loan file lists approved loans only. When a lender sets the answer, we say so.