Last updated: February 2026
Understanding SBA loan broker fees is crucial when deciding whether to work with a broker or go directly to a lender. Many business owners wonder: how much do SBA loan brokers charge, and is it worth the cost?
The truth is, broker fees vary significantly across the industry, and many brokers have hidden costs that can surprise borrowers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about SBA loan broker costs, including how GoSBA Loans’ unique fee structure can actually save you money.
How SBA Loan Broker Fees Work
SBA loan brokers typically earn money through success fees paid at closing. Unlike mortgage brokers who might earn ongoing commissions, SBA brokers are paid a one-time fee when your loan successfully closes.
Here’s the key point: Broker fees are typically built into the loan amount, meaning you don’t pay them out of pocket. The fee becomes part of your loan proceeds, spreading the cost over the life of your loan.
Industry Standard SBA Broker Fee Ranges
Here’s what most SBA loan brokers charge across the industry:
| Loan Amount | Typical Broker Fee | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Under $500K | 2-4% | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| $500K – $1M | 1.5-3% | $7,500 – $30,000 |
| $1M – $2M | 1-2.5% | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Over $2M | 0.75-2% | $15,000 – $100,000+ |
The Hidden Costs Many Brokers Charge
Beyond success fees, many SBA loan brokers charge additional costs that can significantly increase your total expenses:
1. Upfront Deposits
Many brokers require deposits of $2,500 to $10,000 before they’ll even start working on your loan. These deposits are supposedly “refundable” if you don’t get approved, but the fine print often makes recovery difficult.
2. Application Fees
Some brokers charge $500-$1,500 application fees, claiming these cover “administrative costs” or “third-party reports.”
3. Business Plan Fees
Professional business plans can cost $2,500-$5,000. Many brokers charge separately for this essential document.
4. Due Diligence Fees
Some brokers charge additional fees for financial analysis, market research, or other “due diligence” activities.
5. Monthly Retainer Fees
A few brokers charge ongoing monthly fees during the loan process, which can add thousands to your total cost.
GoSBA Loans Fee Structure: Transparent and Fair
At GoSBA Loans, we believe in complete transparency and fair pricing. Here’s exactly what we charge:
| Service | GoSBA Loans Cost | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Deposit | $0 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Application Fee | $0 | $500 – $1,500 |
| Business Plan | FREE ($2,500 value) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Financial Projections | FREE | $500 – $1,500 |
| Monthly Fees | $0 | $300 – $800/month |
| Success Fee | Competitive market rates | 1-4% of loan amount |
Total Upfront Cost with GoSBA Loans: $0
You only pay our success fee when your loan closes successfully. No money out of pocket upfront, no hidden fees, no surprises.
Why Our No-Upfront-Fee Model Works
Aligned Incentives
When we don’t get paid until you get funded, we’re 100% motivated to get your loan approved. We only succeed when you succeed.
Risk-Free for Clients
You risk nothing by working with us. If we can’t get your loan approved, you haven’t lost any money.
Quality Focus
Since we only work with qualified deals, we focus on thorough pre-qualification to ensure we take on loans with high approval probability.
Proven Track Record
Our $320M+ in funded loans across 126+ deals in 2025 proves our model works. We wouldn’t be able to maintain this volume without delivering results.
How Broker Fees Are Actually Paid
Here’s exactly how SBA loan broker fees work in practice:
At Loan Closing
- Your loan amount is $1,000,000
- Broker success fee is 2% = $20,000
- You receive $980,000 in loan proceeds
- The broker fee is included in your total loan balance
- You pay interest on the full $1,000,000 over the loan term
Monthly Payment Impact
Using a $1M SBA loan at 8% for 25 years:
- Without broker: Monthly payment = $7,718
- With 2% broker fee: Monthly payment = $7,718 (same payment)
- Effective cost: $20,000 spread over 300 payments = $67/month
When Broker Fees Provide Value
SBA loan broker fees are worth paying when they deliver:
Higher Approval Rates
GoSBA Loans maintains an 85%+ approval rate compared to 60-65% for direct applications. The increased approval probability alone justifies the fee for most borrowers.
Better Terms and Rates
Our relationships with 50+ lenders allow us to shop for the best rates and terms. We often secure interest rates 0.25-0.75% lower than borrowers could get on their own.
Faster Closing Times
We typically close loans in 45-60 days versus 60-90 days for direct applications. Faster funding means faster business growth and revenue generation.
Reduced Stress and Time Investment
Business owners save 40-60 hours by letting us handle the loan process. Your time is valuable – often worth more than the broker fee.
Red Flags: Broker Fees to Avoid
Be cautious of brokers who charge:
| Red Flag | Why It’s Problematic |
|---|---|
| Large upfront deposits | Reduces motivation to get you approved |
| Fees over 4% for small loans | Excessive compared to industry standards |
| Monthly retainer fees | Adds unnecessary ongoing costs |
| Hidden processing fees | Lack of transparency |
| Non-refundable deposits | No recourse if they can’t deliver |
Comparing Total Cost: Broker vs. Direct
Let’s examine the real cost comparison for a $1M SBA loan:
| Factor | Direct Application | GoSBA Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 8.5% | 8.0% (0.5% lower) |
| Broker Fee | $0 | $20,000 (2%) |
| Business Plan | $2,500 | FREE |
| Time Value (60 hours) | $6,000 | $0 |
| Total Interest Savings (0.5%) | $0 | $50,000 over loan term |
| Net Benefit | -$8,500 | +$38,500 |
Questions to Ask About Broker Fees
Before working with any SBA loan broker, ask these critical questions:
- What are ALL fees I’ll pay? Get a complete list in writing
- Do you charge anything upfront? Be wary of large deposits
- When exactly do I pay your fee? Should only be at successful closing
- Is your fee negotiable? Many brokers have flexibility
- What services are included? Understand exactly what you’re getting
- Do you have relationships with multiple lenders? This affects your options
- What’s your average approval rate? Higher rates justify higher fees
Our Fee Philosophy at GoSBA Loans
At GoSBA Loans, our fee structure reflects our commitment to client success:
Performance-Based Pricing
We only get paid when we deliver results. This aligns our interests perfectly with yours.
Transparent Costs
No hidden fees, no surprises. What we quote is what you pay – only at closing.
Value-First Approach
Our 50+ lender network, free business plans, and 85%+ approval rate provide clear value that exceeds our fees.
All-American Service
You work directly with our US-based team throughout the entire process. No offshore call centers or communication gaps.
Ready to Discuss Your SBA Loan Options?
Get a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your SBA loan needs. We’ll provide transparent fee information and explain exactly how we can help – with zero upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do SBA loan brokers typically charge?
Most SBA loan brokers charge 1-4% of the loan amount as a success fee, paid at closing. Additionally, many charge upfront deposits of $2,500-$10,000. GoSBA Loans charges $0 upfront and competitive success fees only when your loan closes.
Can I negotiate broker fees?
Yes, many broker fees are negotiable, especially for larger loan amounts. However, be cautious of brokers who quote extremely low fees – they may have hidden costs or provide subpar service.
Are broker fees worth paying?
For complex deals or loans over $350,000, broker fees often provide excellent value through higher approval rates, better terms, and significant time savings. The interest rate improvements alone often exceed the broker fee cost.
When do I pay broker fees?
Professional brokers like GoSBA Loans only collect fees at successful loan closing. Never pay large upfront fees – this reduces the broker’s incentive to get your loan approved.
What’s included in broker fees?
At GoSBA Loans, our fee includes complete loan packaging, business plan creation, financial projections, lender shopping across 50+ banks, application submission, and closing coordination. Many brokers charge separately for these services.
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