# How long can you take to repay an SBA microloan?

**Short answer:** Up to 7 years. 13 CFR § 120.707(b) requires each microloan to be repaid within that time. The intermediary sets your actual term based on the amount, the use, its requirements and your needs.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-microloan-repayment-term/
Last checked: 2026-11-08

Each microloan must be repaid within 7 years (13 CFR § 120.707(b)). That is a ceiling, and your intermediary can set a shorter term.

## What sets your term

SBA says repayment terms depend on the loan amount, the planned use, the lender's requirements and the owner's needs (sba.gov/loans/microloans, read November 8, 2026). SBA publishes no standard schedule by loan size.

## One SBA table shows a different number

A program comparison table on sba.gov/sba-lenders (read November 8, 2026) says no more than 6 years. The regulation and SBA's microloan page both say seven. Follow the regulation.

## How other programs compare

The regulation defines a microloan as a short-term, fixed-rate loan (13 CFR § 120.701). A 7(a) working capital loan can run up to 10 years (SOP 50 10 8.1, App. 17, Para. A.1). A 504 loan runs 10, 20 or 25 years.

## Payments and payoff

The regulation does not set a borrower payment schedule or a prepayment rule. Ask the intermediary for its schedule, and ask whether it charges for early payoff. For help with a balance or due date, SBA says to contact your microlender directly.

## Sources

- [13 CFR § 120.707](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.707)
- [13 CFR § 120.701](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.701)
- [sba.gov/loans/microloans (read November 8, 2026)](https://www.sba.gov/loans/microloans/)
- [sba.gov/sba-lenders (read November 8, 2026)](https://www.sba.gov/sba-lenders)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, App. 17, Para. A.1 (p. 390)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)