Asia United Bank vs DBP: Home Loan Overview
Choosing between Asia United Bank (AUB) and DBP for a home loan — or refinance — comes down to more than just the interest rate. You need to factor in eligibility criteria, processing fees, repricing flexibility, and how easy each bank is to deal with. Here's a structured breakdown to help you decide.
| Feature | Asia United Bank (AUB) | DBP |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative Interest Rate | 7.50% – 9.00% p.a. | 6.50% – 8.50% p.a. |
| Loan Amount Range | From 1,000,000 | From 500,000 |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years | Up to 25 years |
| Target Borrower | Employed, self-employed, OFWs | Employed, OFWs, socialized housing |
| Processing Fee | Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 | Approximately 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Repricing Period | 1, 2, or 3 years typical | 1, 3, or 5 years typical |
| Branch Network | Moderate (mostly Metro Manila) | Wide (nationwide, including rural) |
| Online Application | Partial online process | Limited; largely branch-based |
Interest Rate Deep Dive
Interest rate is usually the single biggest factor in your total home loan cost. Here's what borrowers typically encounter with each bank:
Asia United Bank (AUB) Rates
AUB is a mid-sized private commercial bank that caters to a broad range of borrowers, including OFWs and self-employed professionals. Its home loan rates are market-driven and tend to sit in the 7.50% to 9.00% p.a. range depending on the fixing period and loan-to-value ratio. AUB does not have the lowest rates on the market, but it is known for being relatively flexible with documentation and borrower profiles that larger banks might reject.
DBP Rates
As a government financial institution, DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines) is mandated to support economic development, which includes offering housing loans at competitive rates. DBP's rates generally range from 6.50% to 8.50% p.a., with lower rates often available for socialized and economic housing loans. Longer repricing periods (3–5 years) can also provide more payment stability. However, DBP's application process is primarily branch-based and can be slower than private banks. If you want to explore how DBP compares to another government-linked lender, see our DBP vs UCPB home loan comparison.
How Both Compare to Nook's Best Rate
Even DBP's most competitive rates rarely go below 6.50% p.a. for standard borrowers. Through Nook, the best available refinance rate is currently 5.99% p.a. — that's a meaningful difference over a 15–25 year loan term. On a 3,000,000 loan at 20 years, the difference between 7.00% and 5.99% amounts to roughly 17,000 – 19,000 in annual savings, or over 340,000 across the life of the loan.
Monthly Repayment Comparison
To illustrate the real-world impact of rate differences, here are estimated monthly repayments on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years at different rates:
| Interest Rate | Estimated Monthly Repayment | Total Interest Paid (20 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.00% (AUB upper) | Approx. 27,000 | Approx. 3,480,000 |
| 7.50% (AUB lower) | Approx. 24,100 | Approx. 2,784,000 |
| 8.50% (DBP upper) | Approx. 26,100 | Approx. 3,264,000 |
| 6.50% (DBP lower) | Approx. 22,400 | Approx. 2,376,000 |
| 5.99% (Nook best rate) | Approx. 21,500 | Approx. 2,160,000 |
Note: Figures are indicative estimates for illustration only. Actual repayments depend on your exact rate, loan structure, and bank fees.
Eligibility Requirements
Both banks have minimum eligibility criteria that borrowers must meet. Here's a general overview:
Asia United Bank
- Filipino citizen or qualified foreign national
- At least 21 years old at time of application; not older than 65 at loan maturity
- Minimum monthly income: approximately 40,000 – 50,000 (employed or self-employed)
- OFW applicants accepted with co-borrower or attorney-in-fact arrangements
- At least 2 years of employment or business operation
DBP
- Filipino citizen
- At least 21 years old; not older than 65 at loan maturity
- Employed, self-employed, or OFW with documented income
- Accepts borrowers from both private and government sectors
- Special programs for socialized housing and rural borrowers
AUB tends to have more flexibility for non-traditional income earners like commission-based workers and freelancers, while DBP has a broader geographic reach and specific programs for lower-income brackets. If you're considering AUB against another challenger lender, our AUB vs CIMB home loan comparison is also worth reading.
Fees and Charges
Beyond the interest rate, fees can add significantly to your upfront and ongoing loan costs. Here's what to watch for with each bank:
| Fee Type | Asia United Bank | DBP |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | Approx. 5,000 – 10,000 | Approx. 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Appraisal Fee | Charged separately (varies by property) | Charged separately (varies by property) |
| Notarial / Legal Fees | Borrower's account | Borrower's account |
| Mortgage Registration | Borrower's account | Borrower's account |
| Fire Insurance | Required annually | Required annually |
| Early Repayment Penalty | Typically applies within fixing period | Typically applies within fixing period |
When refinancing, always ask each bank for a full fee schedule in writing. Sometimes a lower headline rate comes with higher processing or early settlement charges that erode the savings. Nook's mortgage advisors can help you do this apples-to-apples comparison across lenders at no cost to you.
Which Bank Is Better for Refinancing?
If you're an existing homeowner looking to refinance your current home loan, the calculus is slightly different from a new purchase. You want the lowest possible rate with reasonable refinancing fees and a smooth transition process.
AUB for refinancing: AUB can be a viable refinance option for borrowers with non-traditional income profiles or those who've been turned down by larger banks. However, its rates are typically not the most competitive in the market, and its smaller branch network may slow things down.
DBP for refinancing: DBP is worth considering if you qualify for one of its lower-rate tiers or government housing programs. The longer available fixing periods (up to 5 years) offer good rate certainty. The downside is a more cumbersome application process and less flexibility on documentation.
Refinancing through Nook: Rather than applying to AUB and DBP separately — each with their own paperwork, timelines, and fees — Nook lets you submit one application and receive competing offers from multiple lenders. This means you're not limited to just these two banks, and you may qualify for the best available rate of 5.99% p.a. without doing the legwork yourself. Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers.
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 has lower home loan rates, Asia United Bank or DBP?
Generally, DBP offers slightly lower rates than Asia United Bank due to its government mandate to support affordable housing. DBP rates typically start around 6.50% p.a., while AUB rates typically start around 7.50% p.a. That said, the actual rate you're offered depends on your loan amount, fixing period, income profile, and property type. Neither bank is guaranteed to offer the lowest rate available — through Nook, eligible borrowers can access rates from 5.99% p.a. across multiple lenders.
Can I refinance from AUB to DBP (or vice versa)?
Yes, you can refinance your existing home loan from one bank to another. If you currently have a loan with AUB and want to refinance to DBP — or the reverse — you'll need to go through a full application process with the new lender. They will appraise your property, assess your income, and issue a new loan to pay off your existing one. Be sure to check for any early repayment penalties with your current bank before proceeding. Nook can help you manage this process across multiple lenders simultaneously.
Is DBP a good bank for home loans in the Philippines?
DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines) is a credible option, particularly for borrowers looking for government-backed loan programs or longer fixing periods. Its rates are competitive relative to most private commercial banks, and it accepts a broad range of borrower types. However, its application process is largely branch-based and can be slower than digital-forward lenders. If you want to see how DBP stacks up against other lenders, check out our comparison of CIMB vs DBP home loans.
Does Asia United Bank accept OFW home loan applications?
Yes, Asia United Bank does accept OFW applicants for home loans. OFWs typically need to appoint a local co-borrower or an attorney-in-fact to sign documents on their behalf. AUB's flexibility with non-traditional income documentation makes it a reasonable option for OFWs, though rates may still be higher than what's available through other lenders. Nook also works with lenders who have OFW-specific programs that may offer better terms.
What is the maximum loan term for DBP and AUB home loans?
DBP offers home loan terms of up to 25 years, while Asia United Bank typically offers terms of up to 20 years. A longer loan term reduces your monthly repayment but increases the total interest paid over the life of the loan. When comparing options, it's important to look at both monthly affordability and total cost to determine the best term for your situation.
How do I get the best home loan rate in the Philippines?
The best way to secure the lowest possible home loan rate is to compare multiple lenders at the same time rather than applying to just one or two. Each bank assesses borrowers differently, so the rate you receive from AUB or DBP may not be the best you can qualify for. Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker — it's 100% free for borrowers, and it lets you compare offers from multiple banks with a single application. The best rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a.
Does DBP offer home loans outside Metro Manila?
Yes, DBP has one of the wider branch networks among Philippine lenders, including presence in provincial and rural areas. This makes it a more accessible option for borrowers purchasing or refinancing properties outside of major urban centers. Asia United Bank, by contrast, has a more concentrated presence in Metro Manila and key urban hubs, which may limit accessibility for provincial borrowers.