SBA Loan Rates 2026 — Current Interest Rates for 7(a), 504 and Express Loans

SBA loan rates are among the lowest available to small businesses because the government guarantee reduces lender risk. At the October 2026 prime rate of 7.00%, SBA maximums for variable-rate 7(a) loans run 10.00%–13.50%; the CDC portion of a 504 loan carries a fixed rate set when its debenture is sold. Variable rates change with the prime rate.

SBA 7(a) Loan Rates — Current Maximums (October 2026)

SBA 7(a) rates are tied to the prime rate, which was 7.00% as of October 13, 2026. The SBA caps the spread lenders can add above prime based on loan size:

SBA maximums for variable-rate 7(a) loans, including SBA Express; prime rate 7.00% as of October 13, 2026 (FRED). Lenders may charge less. SBA publishes fixed-rate maximums separately.

SBA 504 Loan Rates

SBA 504 loans have a split structure with two interest rates:

The CDC debenture rate is locked at the time of debenture sale, not at application, and is based on U.S. Treasury rates plus fees.

SBA Express Loan Rates

SBA Express loans are 7(a) loans, and the SBA says their rate is negotiated between borrower and lender but may not exceed the SBA maximum, so the 7(a) maximums above apply (for example, 13.00% on a $100,000 loan at the October 2026 prime rate). The SBA guarantees 50% of an Express loan, versus up to 85% on other 7(a) loans.

SBA Microloan Rates

SBA microloans (up to $50,000) are made through nonprofit intermediary lenders, not banks. Each intermediary sets its own rate, up to the rate it pays on its SBA loan plus 7.75% for loans over $10,000, or plus 8.5% for loans of $10,000 or less. Microloans must be repaid within six years.

How SBA Rates Compare to Conventional Loans

SBA loans consistently offer the lowest rates for businesses that qualify — the tradeoff is a longer application process and stricter eligibility.

SBA Loan Fees (Add to Total Cost)

Interest rate isn’t the full story. SBA 7(a) loans carry an upfront fee (also called the SBA guaranty fee) that SBA sets by loan size and term, and it changes with each fiscal year’s fee notice. Lenders pay it to the SBA but are permitted to pass the cost on to the borrower. Lenders also pay an annual service fee that cannot be charged to the borrower. Ask your lender for the exact upfront fee on your loan and whether it is financed into the balance.

This page does not list fee percentages because they change each fiscal year; check the current SBA information notice on sba.gov.

Lenders may also charge packaging fees, closing costs, and servicing fees; ask for a written fee schedule.

How to Get the Best SBA Rate

1. Improve your credit score before applying — a 700+ score positions you to negotiate closer to the minimum spread
2. Borrow larger amounts — rates are capped lower on larger loan sizes
3. Use an SBA Preferred Lender — they have more flexibility and often more competitive pricing
4. Compare multiple lenders — use the SBA Lender Match tool at lendermatch.sba.gov
5. Compare loan sizes — SBA maximum spreads step down above $50,000, $250,000 and $350,000

Related Articles

• SBA Loans Guide 2026
• SBA 7(a) Loan — How It Works
• SBA Express Loan 2026
• SBA Loan Timeline — How Long Does Approval Take?

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.