The SBA guaranty fee is a separate, one-time upfront cost specific to SBA-backed loans, charged only on the portion of the loan the SBA guarantees.
How it works
The loan amount times the guarantee percentage gives the guaranteed portion. A tiered fee schedule then applies: 2% up to $150,000, 3% up to $700,000, and 3.5%/3.75% tiers above that.
What this does not include
This calculator uses the FY2026 fee schedule for loans approved October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 — the schedule is set annually and can change in future fiscal years.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the loan amount and SBA guarantee percentage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the fee based on the guaranteed portion, not the full loan?
Because the SBA’s fee compensates it for the risk it’s taking on that guaranteed portion specifically — the lender bears the risk on the unguaranteed remainder.
Can the guaranty fee be financed into the loan?
Yes — most borrowers roll the guaranty fee into the total loan amount rather than paying it in cash at closing.
What determines the guarantee percentage?
It varies by loan size and program — 7(a) loans up to $150,000 are typically guaranteed at a higher percentage than larger loans, within SBA program limits.
