Asia United Bank vs CTBC Bank Philippines: Home Loan Overview
Asia United Bank (AUB) is a mid-sized universal bank with a growing retail banking presence, while CTBC Bank Philippines is the local arm of Taiwan-based CTBC Financial Holding, operating as a commercial bank with a focused suite of consumer products. Both offer home loan and refinancing products in the Philippine market, but they differ meaningfully in pricing, loan structure, and borrower experience.
Before diving into the details, it's worth knowing the context: most Filipino homeowners currently paying rates between 7% and 10% p.a. could refinance to as low as 5.99% p.a. through Nook — free of charge. The comparison below will help you see exactly where AUB and CTBC stand relative to that benchmark.
Interest Rate Comparison
| Feature | Asia United Bank | CTBC Bank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Introductory Rate (1-year fix) | 7.00% – 8.50% p.a. | 6.75% – 8.25% p.a. |
| Typical Rate (3-year fix) | 7.50% – 9.00% p.a. | 7.25% – 8.75% p.a. |
| Typical Rate (5-year fix) | 8.00% – 9.50% p.a. | 7.75% – 9.25% p.a. |
| Repricing Rate After Fixed Period | Based on prevailing board rate | Based on prevailing board rate |
| Best Available via Nook | 5.99% p.a. | |
On interest rates alone, CTBC Bank Philippines holds a modest advantage over Asia United Bank across most fixing periods. However, both banks' rates are noticeably higher than the 5.99% p.a. available through Nook's lender panel. On a 3,000,000 peso loan over 20 years, the difference between 7.50% and 5.99% translates to roughly 23,000 pesos per year in interest savings — or close to 460,000 pesos over the full loan term.
Loan Amount and Term
| Feature | Asia United Bank | CTBC Bank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Loan Amount | 500,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to 80% of appraised value | Up to 80% of appraised value |
| Maximum Loan Term | 20 years | 20 years |
| Eligible Property Types | House & lot, condo, townhouse | House & lot, condo, townhouse |
Both banks are broadly aligned on loan-to-value ratios and property types. AUB has a lower minimum loan amount, which could benefit borrowers with smaller outstanding balances looking to refinance. CTBC's higher minimum may exclude some homeowners, but for most mid-range loan sizes between 1,500,000 and 10,000,000 pesos, both are viable options.
Fees and Charges
| Fee | Asia United Bank | CTBC Bank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 | Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Appraisal Fee | 3,500 – 5,000 (third-party) | 3,500 – 5,000 (third-party) |
| Notarial and Legal Fees | Borrower's account | Borrower's account |
| Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI) | Required, annual premium | Required, annual premium |
| Fire Insurance | Required, annual premium | Required, annual premium |
| Prepayment Penalty | Typically 3–5% within fixed period | Typically 3–5% within fixed period |
The fee structures of AUB and CTBC are fairly similar, with both requiring the standard suite of processing, appraisal, insurance, and legal fees that are common across Philippine home loan products. Prepayment penalties apply during the fixed-rate period at both banks, so if you plan to refinance again within a few years, factor that into your decision. When refinancing through Nook, our team walks you through all-in costs upfront so there are no surprises.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Asia United Bank | CTBC Bank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years old | 21 years old |
| Maximum Age at Loan Maturity | 65 years old | 65 years old |
| Employment Type | Employed, self-employed, OFW | Employed, self-employed, OFW |
| Minimum Monthly Income (Employed) | Approximately 40,000 | Approximately 50,000 |
| Citizenship | Filipino; foreigners with Filipino spouse | Filipino; foreigners with Filipino spouse |
CTBC Bank Philippines sets a slightly higher minimum income threshold than AUB, which could matter for borrowers near the lower end of the income range. Both banks accept OFWs and self-employed applicants, though documentation requirements for these segments tend to be more extensive. If your income profile is non-standard, Nook's advisors can match you with lenders most likely to approve your refinance application.
Monthly Payment Illustration
The table below illustrates estimated monthly amortizations for a 3,000,000 peso loan over 20 years at different interest rates. These figures use standard amortization and are for comparison purposes only.
| Interest Rate | Estimated Monthly Payment | Total Interest Paid (20 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.99% p.a. (Nook best rate) | 21,474 | 2,153,760 |
| 6.75% p.a. (CTBC indicative low) | 22,726 | 2,454,240 |
| 7.00% p.a. (AUB indicative low) | 23,259 | 2,582,160 |
| 8.50% p.a. (AUB indicative high) | 26,038 | 3,249,120 |
Even at CTBC's more competitive low-end rate of 6.75%, you'd pay roughly 300,000 pesos more in total interest than at Nook's best available rate of 5.99%. At AUB's low-end rate of 7.00%, that gap widens to over 428,000 pesos. These are real savings that go back into your pocket — not to a bank.
Application Process
Asia United Bank processes home loan applications primarily through its branch network, with some digital capabilities for document submission. Turnaround times for loan approval typically range from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on completeness of documents and property appraisal scheduling.
CTBC Bank Philippines similarly relies on branch-assisted processing, with loan officers guiding borrowers through the application. Processing timelines are comparable, generally 2 to 4 weeks from complete document submission to conditional approval.
Both banks require the standard Philippine home loan document set: government-issued IDs, income documents (payslips, ITR, Certificate of Employment), property documents (TCT, tax declaration), and bank statements. Refinance applicants must additionally provide their latest loan statement of account and amortization schedule from the existing bank.
When you apply through Nook, a single application gets assessed across our entire lender panel simultaneously — saving you the time and effort of applying to multiple banks one by one. If you're also considering newer digital lenders, it's worth reading about GoTyme vs SB Finance home loan rates to understand how challenger banks compare on processing speed.
Refinancing with Asia United Bank or CTBC Bank Philippines
Both AUB and CTBC accept refinance applications from borrowers currently with other Philippine banks. The general requirement is that your existing loan must have been active for at least one to two years and that you have a satisfactory payment history. Both banks will require a new property appraisal and full credit assessment, even if you're simply moving your existing loan.
One important consideration for refinancers: if you are currently within a fixed-rate period with your existing bank, you may face a prepayment penalty of 3% to 5% of the outstanding balance before you can refinance. Nook advisors can help you calculate the break-even point — the point at which your monthly savings from refinancing exceed the penalty cost — so you can time your move correctly.
For context on how other banks in a similar tier compare on refinancing, see our comparison of PBCOM vs Sterling Bank home loan rates, which covers another set of mid-tier lenders popular with refinancers.
Who Should Consider Asia United Bank?
- Borrowers with smaller outstanding balances (below 1,000,000 pesos) who may not meet CTBC's minimum
- Existing AUB account holders who may receive relationship-based rate discounts
- Borrowers who prefer a local universal bank with a broader branch footprint
Who Should Consider CTBC Bank Philippines?
- Borrowers who qualify and want the slightly lower headline rates CTBC offers
- Borrowers whose employer or business has an existing relationship with CTBC
- Those who are comfortable with a commercial bank model and dedicated loan officer service
Why Most Refinancers Should Look Beyond Both Banks
The honest truth is that both Asia United Bank and CTBC Bank Philippines, while legitimate and competent lenders, are not currently offering the most competitive rates in the Philippine home loan market. At 5.99% p.a., the best refinance rate available through Nook is measurably lower than what either bank typically advertises — and Nook's service costs the borrower nothing.
Rather than spending weeks applying to AUB and CTBC separately, Filipino homeowners are better served by submitting one application through Nook and letting our platform surface the best available offer from our full lender panel. You may end up at a major bank like BDO, BPI, or Metrobank, or with a specialist lender — but you'll know you got the best deal available, not just the best deal between two banks.
Not sure which bank suits you?
Nook compares offers from 15+ banks for free. See your personalised options.
Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for home loan refinancing: Asia United Bank or CTBC Bank Philippines?
CTBC Bank Philippines generally offers slightly lower introductory rates than Asia United Bank, giving it a narrow edge on headline pricing. However, both banks offer rates that are higher than the best available refinance rate of 5.99% p.a. through Nook. For most refinancers, the better approach is to compare both alongside the wider market through a free broker like Nook rather than choosing between just these two.
What interest rates does Asia United Bank offer on home loans?
Asia United Bank's home loan rates typically range from around 7.00% to 8.50% p.a. for fixed-rate periods of one to five years, after which the loan reprices to the bank's prevailing board rate. Actual rates depend on the loan amount, term, fixing period chosen, and borrower profile. Always request a formal loan offer to get the rate that applies specifically to your application.
What interest rates does CTBC Bank Philippines offer on home loans?
CTBC Bank Philippines home loan rates typically start from around 6.75% p.a. for a one-year fixed period, rising to approximately 7.75% to 9.25% p.a. for five-year fixed periods. After the fixed period ends, the loan reprices based on CTBC's prevailing rates at the time. As with any bank, the rate you're offered will depend on your specific borrower profile and loan details.
Can I refinance my existing home loan to Asia United Bank or CTBC Bank Philippines?
Yes, both Asia United Bank and CTBC Bank Philippines accept refinance applications from borrowers currently holding home loans with other Philippine banks. You will generally need to have an existing loan that has been active for at least one to two years and have a good repayment record. Be aware that if you are within a fixed-rate period with your current bank, a prepayment penalty of 3% to 5% may apply before you can refinance.
What documents do I need to apply for a home loan with AUB or CTBC?
Both banks require a standard set of documents: valid government-issued IDs, proof of income (payslips and Certificate of Employment for salaried borrowers, ITR and financial statements for self-employed), bank statements for the past three to six months, and property documents including the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) and latest tax declaration. Refinance applicants must also provide their current loan statement of account and amortization schedule from the existing lender.
How long does it take to get approved for a home loan at AUB or CTBC?
Both Asia United Bank and CTBC Bank Philippines typically process home loan applications in two to four weeks from the date of complete document submission. Timelines can be extended if property appraisal scheduling is delayed or if additional documents are requested. Applying through Nook can streamline the process because our team helps you prepare a complete application package upfront, reducing the chance of back-and-forth with the bank.
Is there a minimum loan amount for AUB and CTBC home loans?
Asia United Bank has a lower minimum loan amount of around 500,000 pesos, while CTBC Bank Philippines typically requires a minimum of 1,000,000 pesos. Both banks generally lend up to 80% of the appraised value of the property. If you have a smaller outstanding balance, AUB may be more accommodating, though Nook's lender panel includes options for a wide range of loan sizes.
What is the best home loan refinance rate available in the Philippines right now?
The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. This is lower than the typical rates offered by both Asia United Bank and CTBC Bank Philippines. Nook is a free service for borrowers — we compare rates across multiple Philippine lenders and help you secure the best possible deal at no cost to you.