How much is the SBA guaranty fee on an SBA Express loan?
Short answer
For FY2027 and a maturity over 12 months, it is 2% of the guaranteed portion on loans of $150,000 or less. It is 3% of the guaranteed portion on larger loans (Information Notice 5000-881797, p. 2). The guaranteed portion is 50% of the loan.
The SBA guaranty feeA fee SBA charges on the guaranteed part of a loan. The lender pays it and may pass it to you. Full definition, also called the upfront fee, is a percentage of the guaranteed portion. The total loan amount sets the percentage. This schedule covers loans approved October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 (Information Notice 5000-881797, pp. 1-2).
- Loans of $150,000 or less, maturity over 12 months: 2% of the guaranteed portion.
- Loans of $150,001 to $500,000, maturity over 12 months: 3% of the guaranteed portion.
- Maturity of 12 months or less: 0.25% of the guaranteed portion.
Worked examples
SBA Express has a 50% guaranty, so the fee base is half the loan.
- A $100,000 loan over 12 months has a $50,000 guaranteed portion. The fee is $1,000.
- A $300,000 loan over 12 months has a $150,000 guaranteed portion. The fee is $4,500.
When the fee is $0
The notice (pp. 1 and 3) sets a zero fee in two cases:
- SBA Express loans to veteran-owned businesses: $0.
- 0% for loans of $700,000 or less to manufacturers (NAICS 31-33), listed food supply chain businesses and businesses in rural areas.
Who pays
The lender pays SBA and may pass the fee to you. You may use loan proceeds to pay it. The first disbursement may not be made primarily for that purpose (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1.a). The separate annual service fee is 0.55% of the outstanding guaranteed balance. The lender may not pass it on to you (Notice, p. 1).
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