Top Performing SBA Lenders in 2025
Top SBA 7(a) Lenders Shining in FY 2025
In the current fiscal year, Celtic Bank has approved over $190 million in SBA 7(a) loans, but it's not the only player making waves in the small business lending landscape. The SBA lender match system on the SBA website can connect you with potential lenders based on your business's needs, and here are some of the top contenders.
Newtek Bank takes the lead by both dollar volume and number of loan approvals. Approving over $2 billion across more than 3,100 loans in 2025, Newtek Bank participates in the SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP), allowing faster loan processing without prior SBA approval. The bank focuses on established businesses with consistent revenue and at least two years of tax returns, offering an average loan size of $432,919 with an approval time of 3-4 weeks. Newtek Bank also provides additional business services like payment processing, payroll, and insurance.
Live Oak Bank is a strong contender, particularly for large loan amounts. Processing nearly $2 billion in SBA 7(a) loans in fiscal year 2024 and continuing strong in 2025, Live Oak Bank is known for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans with higher limits (up to $15 million), used for equipment, real estate, and buyouts. The bank typically makes lending decisions faster than non-PLP lenders. Minimum requirements include a credit score of 680 and three years in business.
Huntington National Bank stands out for sheer loan approvals, with 7,577 SBA loans approved in 2024. As a Preferred Lender, Huntington National Bank boasts expedited approval capabilities, including SBA Express loans often processed within days.
ReadyCap Lending (Ready Capital) is a nonbank SBA Preferred Lending Partner noted for volume and niche focus on commercial real estate and business acquisitions. With expedited processing on loans under $500,000 and digital application convenience, ReadyCap Lending is a strong choice for businesses in these sectors.
Large National Banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase also provide strong SBA 7(a) availability nationwide with faster processing for smaller loans. Bank of America is a top SBA lender by volume, processing thousands of loans annually with dedicated SBA teams. Wells Fargo offers extensive business loan products with nationwide reach, integrating digital loan management tools. Chase Business is strong in SBA Express loans with fast approvals as quick as 36 hours.
Lendistry, a minority-led community development financial institution based in Los Angeles, provides loans to small-business owners in underserved communities. As an SBA preferred lender, Lendistry offers 7(a) loans between $25,000 and $5 million.
In conclusion, the top SBA 7(a) lenders for the 2025 fiscal year offer a range of benefits, from expedited processing to niche products and nationwide availability. When choosing a lender, it's essential to consider factors such as interest rates, loan amounts, repayment terms and prepayment penalties, as well as minimum credit score and time in business criteria.
- For established businesses seeking insurance services, Newtek Bank offers additional business services, including insurance alongside their loan offerings.
- Live Oak Bank focuses on large loan amounts, catering to businesses in need of equipment, real estate, or buyout financing, with SBA 7(a) and 504 loan limits of up to $15 million.
- Huntington National Bank, a Preferred Lender, stands out for sheer loan approvals, having approved 7,577 SBA loans in 2024 alone.
- ReadyCap Lending (Ready Capital), a nonbank SBA Preferred Lending Partner, is known for its expedited processing on loans under $500,000, particularly for businesses in the commercial real estate and business acquisition sectors.
- Large National Banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase also provide strong SBA 7(a) availability nationwide, with faster processing for smaller loans.
- For small-business owners in underserved communities, Lendistry, a minority-led community development financial institution based in Los Angeles, is an option that offers loans to small businesses with SBA 7(a) loans between $25,000 and $5 million.
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