Guides & Resources

What Does My Credit Score Have to Be to Qualify for a SBA Loan

If you’re interested in applying for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, you may be wondering what credit score you need in order to qualify. The short answer is that there is no single, universal credit score requirement for qualifying for an SBA loan; credit scores are just one of the many factors lenders consider when evaluating a loan application.

Matthew Elling

April 26, 2023

If you’re interested in applying for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, you may be wondering what credit score you need in order to qualify. The short answer is that there is no single, universal credit score requirement for qualifying for an SBA loan; credit scores are just one of the many factors lenders consider when evaluating a loan application. 

That said, lenders often use credit scores to determine a borrower’s overall creditworthiness. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for a loan and the better terms you may be offered. Generally speaking, most lenders prefer borrowers to have credit scores of at least 680, though some may accept lower scores in certain circumstances. 

When evaluating a potential borrower’s creditworthiness, lenders will look at a variety of factors. These include payment history, the types of accounts a borrower has, the amount of debt they have, and their credit utilization ratio. Credit scores, however, are an important component of the loan application process. 

When applying for an SBA loan, lenders will consider a variety of factors. These include the size and type of business, the length of time the business has been operating, the business’s financial history, and the borrower’s credit score and credit history. 

The SBA does not set a minimum credit score requirement for borrowers; however, lenders often use credit scores to determine a borrower’s overall creditworthiness. Generally speaking, most lenders prefer borrowers to have credit scores of at least 680. However, some may accept lower scores in certain circumstances. 

Before you apply, check to see if you qualify.

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