Updated October 5, 2026

The loan document checklist

Everything lenders typically ask for, in one printable list. Check items off as you collect them — your progress stays in this browser — then download your personalized checklist.

What lenders actually look at

The documents above are the what. The why is simpler: lenders score every file against the five C's of credit. Character is your track record — credit history, resumes, and time in business. Capacity is your ability to repay, measured through DSCR and cash flow; many lenders look for a DSCR of 1.25x or better as a planning guideline, but each lender sets its own overlays. Capital is the equity you have in the deal — your down payment and retained earnings. Collateral is the asset backing the loan. Conditions cover the purpose of the proceeds and the outlook for your industry. Strong documents in one C can offset moderate weakness in another, but gaps across multiple C's raise red flags early.

Credit scores matter, but the threshold moves by lender and loan type. Many conventional commercial lenders look for a personal FICO of 650 or above; SBA lenders often overlay additional criteria on top of the SBA's credit thresholds. Time in business is another fast filter: most business lenders want two to three years of operating history, while startup programs accept less if the management team has deep industry experience. If you want to model the capacity side yourself, try the SBA and commercial calculators or read how the numbers work.

Where to get each document

This condensed table tells you where to obtain the most commonly requested documents.

Disclaimer

This checklist covers what lenders typically request. Your lender's list controls — always ask for their exact requirements.