Applying for an SBA Loan: Minimum Credit Score Requirements (2024)

FAQs

Applying for an SBA Loan: Minimum Credit Score Requirements? ›

SBA 7(a) Credit Score Requirements

For the SBA 7(a), this means a minimum credit score of approximately 640. But you'll increase your chances to be approved for an SBA loan with a minimum credit score of 680 or higher.

What Disqualifies You From Getting an SBA Loan? The three primary disqualifiers for an SBA loan include a poor credit history, insufficient collateral or equity investment, and lack of a solid business plan. These factors can signal to lenders a high risk of default, making loan approval less likely.

Many statistics say that large banks approve SBA loans at rates as low as 20-30%, while smaller banks approve SBA loans at around 40% or less. All this to say: SBA loan approval rates hover at half or below all loan applications that are submitted.

SBA Express loans provide small businesses and startups like yours with up to $500,000 — and in record time. Entrepreneurs can get approved in as few as two or three days, making them one of the fastest options for funding out there.

Most lenders will require a minimum FICO score of 620 or higher for their SBA Loans.

In general, eligibility is based on what a business does to receive its income, the character of its ownership, and where the business operates. Normally, businesses must meet SBA size standards, be able to repay, and have a sound business purpose. Even those with bad credit may qualify for startup funding.

Lenders just want assurance that potential business borrowers are a safe and smart place to “invest” their loan dollars. One way to look at this is by becoming familiar with the “Five C's of Credit” (character, capacity, capital, conditions, and collateral.)

Why do SBA loans get denied? ›

Poor credit, insufficient cash flow, lack of a business plan and other issues can prevent you from securing a small business loan. It can be disappointing when you get denied a business loan, but a denial doesn't mean it's the end of the road.

Instead of a personal credit score, the SBA uses the FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) when evaluating 7(a) loan applicants. The system calculates the business owner's credit bureau data, financials and other factors to produce a number between 0 and 300.

Do SBA loans require a down payment? Yes, the minimum SBA loan down payment requirement is 10% for 7(a) and 504 loans, although this amount can vary based on a business's cash flow and collateral. For example, weak cash flow or low-value collateral can increase the down payment requirement to 30% of the loan amount.

On average, most SBA loans take 30 to 90 days from applying to funding. 7(a) loan subtypes are backed directly by the SBA. The SBA's turnaround time is 2 to 10 business days, but approval from your chosen lender can take 30 to 60 days. Microloans are loans for smaller amounts of $50,000 or less.

While you can get up to $5 million for a standard SBA 7(a) loan, most borrowers in 2022 took out just under a million dollars at $999,210. The average for all SBA 7(a) loans, including the Small Loan and Express programs, was $538,903.

As of early 2022, the approval rates for SBA loans are rising. Currently, large financial institutions approve 15.3% of SBA applications, and small bank lenders approve 21.2%. It's important to note that the pandemic negatively affected SBA lenders, so these approval rates may increase as the economy recovers.

Business loans help you expand operations, cover payroll, pay for supplies, and manage cash flow. When you have poor or bad credit, finding a lender can be difficult, but there are many loan options available with credit scores as low as 500.

In general, eligibility is based on what a business does to receive its income, the character of its ownership, and where the business operates. Normally, businesses must meet SBA size standards, be able to repay, and have a sound business purpose. Even those with bad credit may qualify for startup funding.

Many businesses can't qualify for an SBA loan, but that doesn't mean there aren't other options available. Once you review why your application was rejected, you can choose to apply again or explore alternatives.

If you have bad credit, or your small business credit score isn't stellar, the SBA will still consider other factors, such as recent income and your history of rent, utilities, insurance, and other payments, to determine whether you qualify for an SBA disaster loan.