Glossary · Reading the business
Credit history
In short
This is a record of your past borrowing and repayment behavior. Lenders scrutinize it to assess your reliability and creditworthiness for the loan.
What it means in a deal
Your personal credit history is a key factor in SBA loan approval. Lenders will pull your FICO score and a full credit report. Any derogatory marks, such as bankruptcies or late payments, will be reviewed. Ensure your credit history is as clean as possible before applying, as it directly impacts your eligibility.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA form
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Credit history
- Does my personal credit history affect my business's SBA loan application?
- What role does my personal credit history play in a 7(a) loan?
- How important is my personal credit history for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What kind of personal credit history is expected for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- How does my personal financial history, beyond credit score, affect SBA 7(a) loan approval?
- Does my personal credit history significantly affect my chances of getting an SBA 7(a) loan?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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