# 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.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-express-minimum-credit-score/
Last checked: 2026-11-08

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.

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 2, Para. C.2.b (Para. C begins p. 127)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. H (p. 37)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SBA Procedural Notice 5000-876777 (effective March 1, 2026)](https://legacy.sba.gov/document/procedural-notice-5000-876777-sunset-sbss-score-supplemental-guidance)