The Preferred Credit Score to obtain an SBA loan

When considering SBA loans, for your business one crucial factor that lenders will assess is your credit score.
  • Minimum Recommended Score: 680+ – A credit score of 680 or higher improves approval chances, though lower scores may require additional documentation or a cosigner.
  • Best Approval & Terms: 720+ – A 720+ credit score increases the likelihood of better interest rates and loan terms.
  • Lenders Assess More Than Just ScorePayment history, debt levels, and income stability also impact approval, so review credit reports and reduce debt before applying.

When considering SBA loans, for your business one crucial factor that lenders will assess is your credit score. It's important to aim for a credit profile within the range as it increases your chances of qualifying and securing terms. So what kind of credit score should you strive for when applying for an SBA loan?

The SBA has established credit standards that lenders take into consideration. To increase the likelihood of SBA loan approval it is recommended to have a credit score of 680. While applicants with scores below 680 may still have a chance of approval they might need to provide documentation or seek a cosigner.

For the application an excellent credit score would be 720 or higher. The higher your score the interest rates and loan terms you are likely to receive. Lenders view a credit score as an indicator that you pose risk in defaulting on the loan.

Apart from looking at the value of your score lenders also scrutinize factors such as your payment history, existing debt levels and income stability. Demonstrating a track record of paying bills on time maintaining debt relative to income levels and having stable employment income will further bolster your case.

Before applying for an SBA loan it's advisable to take some time to review your credit reports for any errors and work, towards reducing balances.

Working towards improving your credit profile can give your score a boost. Increase your chances of securing an SBA loan. Aim to reach a credit score of 680 or higher as it puts you in the position to obtain approval, from lenders.

In this Blog
The Preferred Credit Score to obtain an SBA loan
Listen to article • 3 min
0:00 0:00
Written By
Melanie Laurent
October 2, 2023
Have any questions about SBA loans?
Schedule a call with me here
or give us a call (646) 969 9071.
Related Articles
Conventional Business Term Loans: A Practical Alternative to SBA Financing
Conventional Business Term Loans: A Practical Alternative to SBA Financing

Fast, flexible business funding for owners who don’t meet SBA guidelines.

Read more
July 16, 2025
Self-Underwriting: The #1 Mistake Costing Businesses Their Best Financing Options
Self-Underwriting: The #1 Mistake Costing Businesses Their Best Financing Options

Your biggest funding obstacle isn't your credit score or financials—it's your assumptions. Here's why.

Read more
July 16, 2025
Top 5 benefits of SBA 7(a) Loans
Top 5 benefits of SBA 7(a) Loans

We’ve streamlined the SBA process to make it fast and hassle-free.

Read more
May 2, 2025
How Long Does it Take for your SBSS Score to Update?
How Long Does it Take for your SBSS Score to Update?

If you're applying for an SBA loan or checking your business credit, one number matters most: your SBSS score.

Read more
December 10, 2025
SBA Manufacturing Loan Approvals Hit Record Highs Under Trump
SBA Manufacturing Loan Approvals Hit Record Highs Under Trump

The manufacturing sector is experiencing remarkable growth in SBA loan approvals

Read more
April 23, 2025
Finding Cash Flow Savings with MCA Loans
Finding Cash Flow Savings with MCA Loans

Join the hundreds of small businesses that have gotten out of MCA debt with a Reverse Consolidation.

Read more
May 2, 2025
Small Businesses Say Sales Growth Under Pressure in Fed Survey
Small Businesses Say Sales Growth Under Pressure in Fed Survey

The latest Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey reveals a challenging economic landscape for entrepreneurs

Read more
May 7, 2025
SBA Loan Guaranty Fees Are Back: What Small Business Owners Need to Know in 2025
SBA Loan Guaranty Fees Are Back: What Small Business Owners Need to Know in 2025

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: SBA Loan Fees Returning After 13 Years , What does this mean for your Business?

Read more
May 1, 2025
Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia senator, to run Small Business Administration
Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia senator, to run Small Business Administration

FastwaySBA Welcomes Kelly Loeffler to lead SBA.

Read more
April 22, 2025
Breaking SBA News: The SBA is now under DOGE inspection. What does this mean for Small Businesses?
Breaking SBA News: The SBA is now under DOGE inspection. What does this mean for Small Businesses?

DOGE has been granted access to all SBA systems. Most Relevant for Businesses Seeking a SBA Loan.

Read more
December 10, 2025
Understanding The Top Ways to Get an SBA Loan
Understanding The Top Ways to Get an SBA Loan

This is why 90% of our applicants who receive a FastWaySBA pre-approval end up receiving an SBA loan. 

Read more
July 16, 2025
Why Apply with FastWay SBA and not the Bank
Why Apply with FastWay SBA and not the Bank

At FastwaySBA we perform a pre-qualification audit relating to what the business would qualify for at many different banks.

Read more
March 24, 2025