What credit score do I need for an SBA Express loan?
Short answer
SBA sets no minimum credit score; the lender applies its own credit standards. SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 2, Para. C.2.b leaves SBA Express credit analysis to the lender, so any cutoff you hear is that lender's policy.
SBA sets no minimum credit score; the lender applies its own credit standards. SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 2, Para. C.2.b leaves SBA Express credit analysis to the lender, so any score cutoff you hear is that lender's policy.
How scores fit into the rules
- Lenders must use prudent, generally accepted credit analysis, consistent with their similar non-SBA loans (Para. C.2.b.i).
- A lender may use a business credit scoring model if it does so for similar non-SBA loans. The model cannot rely solely on consumer credit scores (Para. C.2.b.iv).
- Scoring may only be used in addition to the lender's normal credit analysis. Results must be documented in each loan file.
The SBSS change did not touch SBA Express
SBA ended its use of the FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) score for 7(a) Small loans. SBA said SBA Express loans are not affected, and lenders may continue to use business scoring models on them (Procedural Notice 5000-876777).
A score alone is not enough to justify the SBA route
A lender may not cite your failure to meet its conventional credit score policy as the sole reason credit is unavailable elsewhere (Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. H.2.b).
Minimum scores vary by lender. Ask each lender for its current requirement before you apply.
Ask lending partners about your loan
Tell us the amount you need and what it is for. We refer you to lenders that may fund businesses like yours, and it costs you nothing.
Janover Capital LLC is not a lender and is not the SBA. The lender makes the credit decision. A lender or marketplace may pay us a referral fee if we connect you, at no cost to you. Advertiser disclosure.