# What fees come with an SBA 7(a) loan?

**Short answer:** Expect an upfront guaranty fee, possible packaging fees and out-of-pocket closing costs. Lenders may not charge origination fees or points. SOP 50 10 8.1, Section A, Chapter 4, Para. C and 13 CFR § 120.221 list what is allowed.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-7a-loan-fees-overview/
Last checked: 2026-11-09

SOP 50 10 8.1, Section A, Chapter 4, Para. C (p. 62) groups 7(a) fees by who pays whom.

## Paid to SBA

- **Upfront Fee.** For FY2027, it is 2% to 3.75% of the guaranteed portion, by loan size. It is 0.25% of the guaranteed portion on maturities of 12 months or less. The lender pays it and may pass the cost to you. Some loans pay 0%.
- **Annual Service Fee.** 0.55% of the outstanding guaranteed balance for FY2027. The lender pays it and may not charge you.
- **Subsidy Recoupment Fee.** You pay this only on loans of 15 years or more, if you prepay heavily in the first three years.

## Charges a lender may collect from you

- **Packaging:** a flat fee up to $2,500 without documentation, or more with SBA Form 159, within percentage limits
- **Out-of-pocket costs:** filing, recording, appraisals and environmental reports
- **Legal services:** hourly only
- **Late payment:** up to 5% of the regular payment when more than 10 days late
- **Extraordinary servicing:** up to 2% a year on the balance needing it, with SBA's approval
- **Assumption:** up to 1% of the balance

## Not allowed

Commitment, origination, broker and referral fees, points, renewal fees and lender prepayment fees are prohibited (Para. C.4).

## Paid to a broker you hire

An Agent may charge you separately, within Para. D.7 limits, and must disclose the fee on Form 159. Amounts vary by lender.

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C, 7(a) Loan Program Fees (begins p. 62)](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 § 120.221, fees a Lender may collect](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.221)
- [SBA Information Notice 5000-881797, FY2027 7(a) fees, pp. 1-2 (effective October 1, 2026)](https://legacy.sba.gov/document/information-notice-5000-881797-fy-2027-7a-program-fees)