SBA Packaging Fee Calculator — Estimate SBA Loan Packaging Costs [2026]
Calculate SBA 7(a) loan packaging fees based on loan amount. See lender, broker, and third-party packager fees. Free SBA loan cost estimator.
SBA 7(a) loans go up to $5,000,000
Flat fee — in-house lenders typically charge $500–$2,500 (shown: $1,500 estimate)
Total Upfront Cost Breakdown
Packager Type Comparison
| Packager Type | Rate | Est. Fee | SBA Regulated? |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-House Lender | Flat $500–$2,500 | $1,500 | Yes |
| Independent Broker | 1%–2% | $3,750 | Partial |
| Third-Party Packager | 1.5%–3.5% | $6,250 | No |
What is SBA Packaging Fee Calculator?
How to Use SBA Packaging Fee Calculator
Enter your SBA 7(a) loan amount and select the packager type (lender in-house, independent loan broker, or third-party packager). The calculator shows the estimated packaging fee based on SBA guidelines and typical market rates. Use the breakdown to understand all upfront SBA loan costs.
How SBA Packaging Fee Calculator Works
Common Use Cases
- Estimating total upfront costs before applying for an SBA 7(a) loan
- Comparing packaging fees between using your bank vs. an SBA loan broker
- Budgeting for SBA loan application costs as a small business owner
- Understanding SBA-regulated vs. unregulated packaging fee limits
- Calculating the full cost of an SBA loan including packaging, guaranty, and origination fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SBA packaging fee?▼
An SBA packaging fee is a charge for professionally preparing and submitting your SBA loan application. This includes gathering financial documents, writing the business narrative, completing SBA forms (1919, 1920, etc.), and coordinating with the lender. Packaging fees are separate from SBA guaranty fees, origination fees, and appraisal costs.
How much does SBA loan packaging typically cost?▼
Packaging costs vary widely: in-house lender packaging is often free or $500–$2,500. Independent loan brokers charge 1%–2% of the loan amount. Third-party packagers charge $2,500–$5,000 flat or 1%–3.5% of the loan. For a $500,000 SBA loan, expect $5,000–$17,500 in broker/packager fees, or little to nothing if your bank does it in-house.
Are SBA packaging fees regulated?▼
Partially. SBA-licensed employees and certain agents are subject to fee caps: 0.5% for loans ≤$350,000 or $1,750 for larger loans. However, independent commercial loan brokers who are not SBA employees are generally not subject to these caps. Always ask your packager what fees are capped vs. negotiable, and get fees disclosed in writing before signing any agreement.
Can I package my own SBA loan application?▼
Yes, you can self-package your SBA loan application at no cost. However, SBA applications are complex — a single error can delay or kill your approval. Professional packagers know how to structure financials, write projections, and avoid common mistakes. Self-packaging makes most sense if you have accounting/finance experience, a straightforward business history, and time to invest in the process.
Are SBA packaging fees included in the loan?▼
No, SBA regulations prohibit rolling packaging fees into the loan proceeds. Packaging fees must be paid out-of-pocket before or at loan closing. This is different from SBA guaranty fees and origination fees, which are sometimes financed into the loan. Budget for packaging fees as an upfront cash expense when planning your SBA loan application.
What other fees come with an SBA 7(a) loan?▼
Besides packaging fees, SBA 7(a) loans include: SBA guaranty fee (0.5%–3.75% depending on loan size and maturity), lender origination fee (typically 0%–3%), appraisal fees ($2,000–$5,000+ for real estate), environmental assessment ($500–$3,000 if required), closing costs ($1,000–$3,000), and documentation fees. Total upfront costs for a $500K SBA loan can range from $10,000–$30,000.
Related Tools
SBA Guaranty Fee Calculator
Calculate SBA loan guaranty fee based on loan amount, guaranteed portion, and lo...
Loan Origination Fee Calculator
Calculate loan origination fees by percentage or flat amount. See total closing ...
Loan Calculator
Free loan calculator. Calculate monthly payments, total interest, and amortizati...
Explore More Free Tools
Discover more tools from our network — all free, browser-based, and privacy-first.