How much of an SBA Express loan does SBA guarantee?
Short answer
SBA guarantees 50% of an SBA Express loan at every loan size (SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 16, Para. B.2). Most other 7(a) loans carry 85% on loans of $150,000 or less and 75% on larger loans.
SBA guarantees 50% of an SBA Express loan, whatever the loan size. Appendix 16, Para. B.2 of SOP 50 10 8.1 sets that single percentage for the whole program.
Why it is lower than other 7(a) loans
SBA's lender page explains the trade. SBA Express lenders use mostly their own processes and procedures, and in exchange they accept a lower guaranty (sba.gov/sba-lenders, read November 8, 2026). Most other 7(a) loans carry 85% on loans of $150,000 or less and 75% on larger loans (Appendix 16, Para. A.1).
What the percentage affects
- The lender's risk. If the business defaults, SBA's guarantee requires SBA to purchase its portion of the outstanding balance, subject to conditions (13 CFR 120.2(a)(2)).
- The upfront fee. SBA charges it on the guaranteed portion, so the fee base is 50% of the loan (Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1.a.i).
- SBA's exposure limit. The guaranteed amount counts toward the $3,750,000 cap for you and your affiliates (Appendix 16, Para. B.2).
What it does not affect
The guaranty does not reduce what you owe. It also does not set a lender's credit standards, which vary by lender.
Export Express is a separate program with a higher guaranty of 90% or 75%, depending on loan size (Appendix 16, Para. B.5).
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