Quick Answer
Yes, but not through the SBA. Since March 1, 2026, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans require every owner to be a U.S. citizen or national, and SBA microloans followed on April 1, 2026. Community lenders such as DreamSpring (27 states) and USI CDFI say on their own sites that they accept an ITIN.
Can You Get an SBA Loan With an ITIN?
No. Since March 1, 2026, the SBA's 7(a) and 504 programs require 100% of a business's direct and indirect owners to be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals whose principal residence is in the United States. The Microloan program adopted the same rule on April 1, 2026, and green card holders are excluded too.
The SBA announced the change in a March 9, 2026 release and its Microloan policy notice. It replaced a December 2025 rule that briefly allowed up to 5% non-citizen ownership. Because the SBA guarantees these loans, a bank can't make an SBA loan to a business with an ITIN-holding owner, even if the bank itself works with ITIN customers.
Which Lenders Accept an ITIN for Business Loans?
Two community lenders say on their own websites that they accept an ITIN: DreamSpring, which lends from $1,000 to more than $250,000 in 27 states, and USI CDFI, which lends up to $250,000 to businesses anywhere in the U.S. Several others, including Kiva, Grameen America and Accion Opportunity Fund, don't say either way.
| Lender | Takes an ITIN? | Loan size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DreamSpring (CDFI) | Yes | $1,000 to $250,000+; 27 states | DreamSpring |
| USI CDFI | Yes | Up to $250,000 (up to $500,000 for predevelopment) | USI CDFI |
| Kiva U.S. | Doesn't say | $1,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest | Kiva |
| Mission Asset Fund (Lending Circles) | Doesn't say | $300 to $2,400 at 0% interest | MAF |
| OnDeck | Asks for owners' SSN | Needs 1 year in business and $100,000 revenue | OnDeck |
| Bluevine | Doesn't say | LLCs and corporations only; $120,000 yearly revenue | Bluevine |
DreamSpring serves Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Both DreamSpring and USI CDFI make business loans only, not personal loans. Where a lender "doesn't say," ask before you apply; a hard credit check can lower your score even if you're turned down.
What Do Lenders Ask For With an ITIN?
Most business lenders want an EIN, a business bank account, proof of revenue and a personal credit check on the owner. Online lenders set higher bars: OnDeck asks for 1 year in business, $100,000 in yearly revenue and a 625 FICO score, and Bluevine asks for 12 months, $120,000 a year and a 625 score.
- EIN: you can get one free from the IRS using your ITIN. See ITIN vs EIN.
- Business bank account: lenders usually ask for the last 3 months of statements. See opening a business bank account with an ITIN.
- Business structure: USI CDFI lends to sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations and partnerships; Bluevine lends only to LLCs and corporations. See starting a business with an ITIN.
- Personal guarantee: small-business loans usually make the owner personally responsible, so your ITIN credit history matters.
What Are the Alternatives to a Business Loan?
If you can't get a loan yet, smaller 0% options can fund a first purchase and build credit. Mission Asset Fund's lending circles range from $300 to $2,400, and Kiva's crowdfunded loans run from $1,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest, though neither says on its page whether it takes an ITIN.
- Business credit cards: some issuers accept an ITIN with an EIN. See business credit cards with an ITIN.
- Personal loans: some credit unions make personal loans with an ITIN. See personal loans with an ITIN.
- An LLC first: forming an LLC can open doors with lenders that don't serve sole proprietors. See starting an LLC with an ITIN.
Should You Use a Merchant Cash Advance?
Usually only as a last resort. A merchant cash advance isn't a loan: you sell part of your future card sales for cash now, and the price is a factor rate instead of an interest rate. A 1.3 factor on a $10,000 advance means repaying $13,000, often within months, which can cost far more than a loan.
Before you sign, ask for the total amount you'll repay, how much is taken from each day's sales, and whether there's a penalty for paying early. Compare that total with a quote from a community lender.
How Do I Apply for a Business Loan With an ITIN?
Start by confirming the lender serves your state and accepts an ITIN, then gather your EIN, 3 months of business bank statements and your business registration. DreamSpring requires you to be over 18 and located in 1 of its 27 states; USI CDFI requires an SSN or ITIN and a U.S. business.
- Get a free EIN from the IRS using your ITIN.
- Open a business bank account and keep business money separate for at least 3 months.
- Check your personal credit report with your ITIN so there are no surprises.
- Ask the lender, in writing, whether it accepts an ITIN before it runs a hard credit check.
- Apply with your registration, EIN letter, bank statements and a short description of how you'll use the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can green card holders get SBA loans in 2026?
No. Since March 1, 2026, the SBA requires every direct and indirect owner of a 7(a) or 504 borrower to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, and lawful permanent residents can't own any share. Microloans followed on April 1, 2026.
Which business lenders accept an ITIN?
DreamSpring and USI CDFI both say on their own sites that they accept an SSN or an ITIN. DreamSpring lends in 27 states, and USI CDFI lends up to $250,000 to U.S. businesses. Ask any other lender before applying.
Does Kiva accept an ITIN?
Kiva's borrower page doesn't say. It lists 0% loans from $1,000 to $15,000 for borrowers who are 18 or older and run a business in the U.S., excluding Nevada and North Dakota. Ask Kiva before you apply.
Do I need an LLC to get a business loan with an ITIN?
Not always. USI CDFI lends to sole proprietors as well as LLCs, corporations and partnerships, while Bluevine lends only to LLCs and corporations. An EIN and a business bank account help either way.
How much can I borrow with an ITIN?
It depends on the lender and your revenue. DreamSpring lends from $1,000 to more than $250,000, USI CDFI up to $250,000, and Kiva from $1,000 to $15,000. First loans are usually small, and lenders may raise limits after on-time payments.