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What Is the SBA Express Loan?
An SBA 7(a) Express Loan has fewer hoops to jump through than the other SBA 7(a) loans, since you won’t be waiting on as many back-and-forth approvals. Of course, you do still need to qualify, you’ll only be backed for up to 50% of $500,000, and an Express Loan may ultimately be more expensive.
An SBA 7(a) Express Loan has fewer hoops to jump through than the other SBA 7(a) loans, since you won’t be waiting on as many back-and-forth approvals. Of course, you do still need to qualify, you’ll only be backed for up to 50% of $500,000, and an Express Loan may ultimately be more expensive for you, but you could receive a decision within 36 hours of your loan application. That’s what we call express! In contrast, the fastest you can expect to hear back if you’re applying for a Standard SBA 7(a) Loan is three weeks.
SBA Loans Overview
Why Is the SBA Express Loan So Fast?
The SBA gives its Express lenders the authority to make credit decisions without requiring SBA review first. It’s still not a free-for-all, but there’s a lot less ping-ponging to deal with. Which means less time for you to wait.
If you apply and are approved for an SBA Express Loan, you can increase the chance that you’ll get approved for funding by other, more traditional lenders.
How Can I Use My Express Loan?
A 7(a) Express Loan follows the structure of a Standard 7(a) Loan and is just as versatile in its use — you can use it as working capital for any operational costs for your business. You can use any approved funding to fill a variety of business needs, including start-up costs or funding a business expansion. You can also use Express Loan funds to refinance debt, or as a revolving line of credit. Additional uses include:
Furniture and interior decorating.
Machinery and equipment.
Real estate, construction, and renovations.
Buying a new business.
Have you tried funding from other sources before applying for a loan?
Can you show that you’ve been unable to secure enough credit elsewhere?
Are you up to date with payments on any and all government debts?
Can you prove you’ll be able to repay your loan?
Can you be considered “of good character?”
Do you have high personal and/or business credit scores?
Do you have relevant management experience in your industry?
Can you provide a practical business plan?
What are the benefits of an SBA Express Loan?
The SBA Express Loan is a great option for small businesses looking for fast and easy access to funding. The main benefit of this loan is that it is much faster than traditional SBA loans, as lenders have the authority to make credit decisions without requiring SBA review first. Additionally, having an SBA Express Loan can increase the chance of being approved for funding by other, more traditional lenders.
To qualify for an SBA Express Loan, businesses must meet the eligibility requirements determined by the SBA 7(a) program. These requirements include operating for profit in the USA, having been in operation for at least two years, meeting SBA size standards, and having already looked for alternative funding. Furthermore, there must be no delinquencies or debt obligations to the US government. Certain businesses may be ineligible, and borrowers must have good character and a credit score of 600-650 to be approved. Additional documents, such as a personal history statement and financial projections, may be required. If approved, the funds will be disbursed within 90 days and a guaranty fee will be required.
For more information on SBA Express Loan requirements, please visit https://www.sbaexpress.loans/sba-express-loan-requirements/.
What are the eligibility requirements for an SBA Express Loan?
To qualify for an SBA Express loan, businesses must meet the eligibility requirements determined by the SBA 7(a) program. These requirements include:
- Operating for profit in the USA
- Having been in operation for at least two years
- Meeting SBA size standards
- Having already looked for alternative funding
- No delinquencies or debt obligations to the US government
- Good character and a credit score of 600-650
Certain businesses may be ineligible, and additional documents such as a personal history statement and financial projections may be required. If approved, the funds will be disbursed within 90 days and a guaranty fee will be required.
Learn more about SBA Express Loan Requirements →What are the maximum loan amounts for an SBA Express Loan?
The maximum loan amount for an SBA Express Loan is $350,000, according to SBA Express Loans Terms and Small Business Loans: A Comparison of SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and SBA Express.
What are the interest rates for an SBA Express Loan?
For SBA Express loans, the interest rate is variable and caps at the WSJ Prime Rate https://www.wsj.com/market-data/bonds plus 4.5% for loans of more than $50,000. Smaller loans max out at the WSJ Prime plus 6.5%.
Fixed-rate financing is also available, but it is less common. For loans in excess of $250,000, expect a rate 5% above the WSJ Prime. For loans between $50,000 and $250,000, the fixed interest rate will be 6% above, with further increases for even smaller loans.
For more detailed information, please refer to the table below:
Loan Amount Interest Rate Spread Less than $25,000 WSJ Prime + 4.25% $25,000 to $50,000 WSJ Prime + 3.25% More than $50,000 WSJ Prime + 2.25% For more information, please refer to https://www.sbaexpress.loans/blog/sba-express-loan-interest-rates/.
How long does it take to get an SBA Express Loan approved?
SBA Express loans are very fast. Expect a determination on your application within three days, maximum. And after that, funds will typically be dispersed in as few as 20 days.
SBA Microloans may be the fastest form of SBA funding. While they can only offer up to $50,000 and have slightly higher interest rates, SBA microloans can often close even faster than SBA Express loans, with an average closing time of 28-30 days. Plus, microloans don’t require businesses to have great credit.
Am I Eligible for an SBA 7(a) Express Loan?
Are you a for-profit business, and have you already invested your own equity? Are you operating in the U.S.? Do you fit the SBA’s definition of a “small business” by size? These are the most basic questions, the answers to which will define your basic eligibility. And then there are more:
What Else Should I Know About the SBA Express Loan?
While Standard SBA 7(a) Loans can be guaranteed up to 85%, the SBA will only guaranty 50% of your Express Loan. This means you might face stricter approval criteria, and/or your Express Loan will most likely have a higher interest rate. If you’re willing and able to take on the higher risk — and show the SBA you’re good for it, then there’s little to worry about.
It’s also important to note that the SBA has basic requirements for the Express Loan, but any lenders can choose to enforce additional, stricter requirements. Just because they’re considered the easiest type of SBA Loan to qualify for (due to their less ideal terms) doesn’t mean Express Loans are totally easy.
While the SBA’s part of the loan approval process is much quicker, the rest of the funding process still takes time. Your lender’s speed of approval must also factor into your timeline. Most Express Loan lenders are banks, and they tend to require a great deal of paperwork and time for their part in your application.