SBA Loans: Types, Requirements & Rates in 2026
Compare SBA loan programs — 7(a), 504, and microloans with the lowest rates available for small businesses.
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No credit score impact
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Borrow up to $500,000
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SBA Loans
SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which allows lenders to offer lower rates and longer terms than conventional business loans. They are the gold standard for small business financing — but require more documentation and longer processing times.
Compare the best lenders for SBA loans below.
Best SBA Loan Lenders
| SBA Program | Max amount | Typical rates | Max term | Best for |
| 7(a) Loan | $5,000,000 | 10.5% – 13.5% | 25 years | General purpose |
| 504 Loan | $5,500,000 | ~6% – 7% | 20-25 years | Real estate & equipment |
| Microloan | $50,000 | 8% – 13% | 6 years | Startups & small needs |
| Express Loan | $500,000 | 11% – 14% | 25 years | Faster approval |
SBA 7(a) Loans
The most popular SBA program. Use funds for working capital, equipment, inventory, real estate, or refinancing existing debt. Loans up to $5 million with terms up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for working capital.
SBA 504 Loans
Designed for major fixed-asset purchases like commercial real estate or heavy equipment. Requires a 10% down payment from the borrower. Offers the lowest fixed rates of any SBA program.
SBA Microloans
Loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Ideal for startups and very small businesses. Less paperwork than 7(a) loans but still takes 2-4 weeks.
SBA Loan Requirements
Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S. Must have invested equity (owner investment). Must have exhausted other financing options. Most lenders want 680+ credit score, 2+ years in business, and $100,000+ annual revenue for 7(a) loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an SBA loan?
SBA Express loans: 2-4 weeks. Standard 7(a): 4-8 weeks. 504 loans: 8-12 weeks. SmartBiz streamlines the process significantly.
What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?
Most SBA lenders require 680+. SmartBiz requires 675. Some community lenders accept 650 for microloans.
Can startups get SBA loans?
Microloans are the best SBA option for startups. Standard 7(a) loans typically require 2+ years in business.
Bluevine
- Line of credit up to $250,000
- As low as 7.80%
- Same-day funding
Bluevine offers fast business lines of credit with same-day draws.
OnDeck
- Loans up to $250,000
- Term loans and lines of credit
- Min. credit: 625
OnDeck offers same-day funding on short-term business loans.
Fundbox
- Line of credit up to $150,000
- Draw funds as needed
- Min. revenue: $30,000/year
Fundbox offers revolving credit with next-day funding and low minimums.