Glossary · The loan itself
Lender packaging fee
In short
A fee charged by some lenders or loan packagers for assisting with the SBA loan application and documentation. This is part of your total closing costs, adding to your overall deal expenses.
What it means in a deal
Some lenders, or third-party packagers working with lenders, may charge a fee for preparing the detailed SBA loan application and collateral analysis. The SBA regulates the maximum amount of this fee. Ask your lender upfront if they charge a packaging fee and ensure it's within the SBA's guidelines, as it affects your out-of-pocket costs.
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 Lender packaging fee
- Can the lender charge an additional "packaging fee" on top of the SBA fees?
- Can I negotiate the lender's origination or packaging fee for my SBA 7(a) business acquisition loan?
- Are there any other lender-specific fees beyond the SBA guaranty fee and ongoing servicing fee?
- What are "packaging fees" and can they be included in an SBA 7(a) acquisition loan?
- Can the lender charge application fees or underwriting fees in addition to the SBA guaranty fee?
- What is the process for a lender to remit the upfront guaranty fee and annual service fee to the SBA?
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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