5 Things to Know About SBA Loan Credit Requirements
Ezra Cabrera
While SBA Loan programs are notorious for requiring a long list of documentation and can take months to go through the system, the “juice is worth the squeeze.” Although SBA Loan programs have this reputation, the facts are, if you work with the right lender, your application process can be smooth and swift.
To qualify for an SBA Loan, there are a handful of requirements that you need to meet. Below are the five most important requirements for obtaining an SBA Loan along with the documents needed to qualify for one.
1. Profitability
Maintaining a profitable business is crucial when applying for an SBA Loan. If your business is not profitable, it will be difficult to justify to a lender why they should provide you with financing. When it comes to SBA Loans, lenders will be more lenient than traditional bank loans, but profitability is still important. SBA Lenders will look towards your ability to service your debt and make your payments by calculating a (DSCR) or debt service coverage ratio. If your ratio is above a 1.10 then you are in great shape to pass a profitability test!
2. Business Trade Credit
Just like you have a personal credit score that’s based on your past trade history and credit utilization, your business has the same. Your business credit tracks how you’ve been paying your vendors, credit cards, as well as all of your other bills. If you are behind on your business bills, then your SBA lender is going to discover that. This makes it critical your accounts payable are current and up to date, and your utilization low so your business credit is on the same level as your personal credit.
Related: 6 Ways to Improve Your Business Credit Score
3. Organized Financials
Don’t underestimate the importance of organization when applying for an SBA Loan. Not only will you want to make sure that the process is easy for you, but an SBA lender will want to make sure you are on top of your business finances. If you are unable to produce reports on your business, lenders will reject your loan application.
4. Collateral
Most SBA loans will require that you have sufficient collateral to cover the loan amount. While some may rely less on collateral than others, it’s still important you have at least 50% collateral coverage when applying for an SBA Loan. An SBA lender will want to determine that your business can repay a loan, as well as ensure you have sufficient collateral for them to sell and get their money back. The most common forms of collateral are inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, and real estate.
Related: Why Do Lenders Need Personal Guarantees for SBA Loans?
5. Personal Credit Score
When applying for any type of financing, whether personal or business, your personal credit score will have an impact on your eligibility, your rates, and your repayment terms. In almost all circumstances you will have a higher probability of getting approved if you have a high credit score. SBA lenders will look deeply into your credit report to understand your score.
Many times a low score is driven by past due bills, other times credit utilization. It can even be from a lack of credit history. Whether you have a great credit score or not, It’s always wise to monitor your credit score.
You can use companies like Credit Sesame to check your credit score and while doing so, be sure to:
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- Keep trades and credit utilization low
- Limit the number of times you apply for credit
- Pay bills on time. Even if it is the minimum payment!
- Keep old cards open. Don’t close them!
- Make sure that any past due bills are paid current
Now You Know What SBA 7a Credit Score Requirements Entail
SBA loans are a great financing option for growing businesses. Although the SBA 7a credit score requirements may still be unattainable for some, they can work on improving it and applying again. When approved, SBA loans can give you more than the cash you need to carry out your business operations and requirements. It will also allow you to expand, grow, and succeed in your chosen industry.
