Banks earned $10 billion processing U.S. government loans to small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. According to Business Insider, transaction charges start at 5 percent for loans under $350,000. NPR reported those charges reducing to 1 percent for loans between $2 and $10 million. The loans are guaranteed by the government and require less vetting than regular loans. The banks are defending their charges, saying processing the guaranteed loans are still complex.