Glossary · The loan itself
Index
In short
This is the fluctuating benchmark rate (e.g., WSJ Prime, Term SOFR) that your loan's interest rate is tied to. It changes periodically, causing your loan payments to adjust.
What it means in a deal
SBA 7(a) loan interest rates are variable, based on an index plus a fixed margin. Your loan agreement will specify which index is used and how often it adjusts. Understand the historical volatility of your chosen index to anticipate payment fluctuations.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Index
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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