Your ETRAN Score (aka SBSS Score) can make or break your SBA loan approval. But here’s the good news—you can influence it. From your business financials to credit profile and even your industry code, there are multiple levers you can pull before you apply.

First: What Is the ETRAN Score?

It’s a predictive score—used by the SBA—to determine if your business is likely to repay a 10-year term loan.

The score is built from a blend of personal credit, business health, industry type, public records, and financials. Most lenders won’t move forward unless your score is at least 140–160.

Think of it like your "SBA pre-approval GPA." It tells the lender if you’re worth the time to underwrite.

What Factors Influence Your Score?

The ETRAN Score pulls from 15+ data points, but these 5 areas matter most:

1. Personal Credit (FICO Score)
2. Business Bank Deposits + Profitability
3. Time in Business
4. NAICS Industry Code
5. Public Records (Liens, Judgments, Bankruptcy)

The Fastest Ways to Boost Your ETRAN Score

Here’s what you can do right now to shift the needle:

1. Increase Gross Business Deposits

ETRAN scoring models heavily favor cash flow. Lenders want to see healthy, regular deposits.

What to do:

• Deposit all business revenue into one primary account
• Avoid large cash withdrawals
• Avoid days with a negative balance

Even 3 strong months of clean banking can make a big difference.

2. Show Profit on Tax Returns

If your business is always showing a loss, lenders see that as high risk—even if your bank deposits are strong.

What to do:

• File 2023 with positive net income, if possible
• Work with a CPA to reduce aggressive write-offs

Your net income is a trust factor. It tells the SBA: “This business is real and sustainable.”

3. Pay Down Personal Credit Utilization

A high utilization rate on your personal credit cards can drag your ETRAN score down—even if you pay on time.

What to do:

• Keep usage under 30% of your limit
• Set auto-pays on at least minimum payments
• Dispute incorrect info (late payments, collections)

A bump from 620 to 660 FICO can shift your SBSS score significantly.

4. Choose the Right NAICS Code

Not all industries are treated equally. Some NAICS codes are flagged as high-risk in the ETRAN model.

What to do:

• Double check the NAICS code on your taxes and entity registration
• If possible, switch to a lower-risk classification that still fits your business

Example:

“Online Retail” vs. “Business Consulting” — vastly different risk tiers.

5. Resolve Any Tax Liens or Judgments

Public records hit your score hard. Even an old state tax lien can tank your approval odds.

What to do:

• Enter into a payment plan with the IRS or state
• Get lien releases where possible
• Avoid new collections during the pre-approval phase

Pro tip: Payment plans still show up—but they’re way better than open, unpaid debts.

Bonus Tips That Can Help:

• Avoid taking on new MCA loans (Merchant Cash Advances)
• Don’t bounce payments—NSFs are a red flag
• Update all business info across bureaus and bank accounts
• Prequalify before applying to avoid a hard credit pull

You Don’t Have to Guess Your Score

✅ No Credit Pull

✅ No Application

✅ See Your Estimated Approval Range

Check My SBA Score Now ➝

Improving your ETRAN Score is about showing lenders that you’re a low-risk, high-potential business owner. With the right financial posture—even if your credit isn’t perfect—you can level up your score in as little as 30–90 days.

Make small changes. See big results.