Lender intelligence
Best SBA lenders for a low failure rate (2026)
The bank you pick shapes your odds. These SBA 7(a) lenders have the lowest charge-off rates on the FY2020–23 cohort, from public records. A low failure rate with real volume usually means disciplined underwriting — a tougher approval, and exactly the lender you want behind your deal.
The comparison
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- 1.3,264 loans · $846M · Miami, FLCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 2.291 loans · $320M · Laguna Hills, CACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 3.85 loans · $148M · Los Angeles, CACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 4.9 loans · $10M · Warren, PACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 5.61 loans · $67M · Los Angeles, CACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 6.35 loans · $33M · Providence, RICharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 7.23 loans · $15M · Sparta, MICharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 8.32 loans · $37M · Champaign, ILCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 9.159 loans · $307M · Garden Grove, CACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 10.9 loans · $13M · Atlanta, GACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 11.29 loans · $28M · Quincy, CACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 12.19 loans · $5M · Columbus, OHCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 13.39 loans · $31M · Duluth, GACharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 14.26 loans · $26M · Billings, MTCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 15.11 loans · $7M · Flushing, NYCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 16.23 loans · $25M · Chicago, ILCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 17.12 loans · $14M · Mobile, ALCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 18.19 loans · $4M · Bangor, MECharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 19.16 loans · $21M · Las Vegas, NVCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
- 20.25 loans · $29M · Jersey City, NJCharge-off rate: 0%Full record →
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How this ranking is built
CapBench analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records — these lenders are ranked by charge-off (loan-failure) rate, lowest first, on the FY2020–23 cohort with a 100-loan floor, from public SBA records. We report the typical (not the median-of-medians) figure, exclude mega-bank call-center lenders, and never sell ranking position. “Best” is still deal-specific: the right lender is the one already funding deals like yours, priced at or under the rate cap. Full methodology →
Common questions
What is an SBA lender's failure rate?
It's the share of a lender's loans that were charged off — written off as a loss after default. We measure it on the FY2020–23 cohort with a 100-loan floor, so the rate reflects real volume.
Does a low failure rate mean a harder approval?
Often, yes. Disciplined lenders push back on weak deals before closing — annoying in the moment, and exactly what protects you from over-borrowing. A strong track record is worth a tougher conversation.
Is a high failure rate always bad?
Not necessarily. Some mission lenders deliberately take harder deals others won't touch, which lifts their charge-off rate. Read the number with context — see our full lender failure-rate analysis for both ends of the scale.
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Best SBA lenders for a low failure rate
This page ranks SBA 7(a) lenders for a low failure rate — ranked by charge-off (loan-failure) rate, lowest first, on the FY2020–23 cohort with a 100-loan floor, from public SBA records. It shows each lender's charge-off rate, the deal count behind it, and the typical funded loan, each linking to that lender's full public record. Newtek Bank, National Association leads the list. Mega-bank call-center lenders are excluded, and ranking position is never sold.
“Best” is deal-specific: the right lender is the one already funding deals like yours in your state, industry, and size, priced at or under the rate cap. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice, and CapBench is not a lender.
Source: CapBench SBA Intelligence, based on public SBA, lender, franchise, FDIC, and related records. CapBench is not a lender and does not guarantee financing.