Asia United Bank vs GoTyme Home Loan: Side-by-Side Overview
Both Asia United Bank (AUB) and GoTyme have entered the Philippine home loan space with distinct propositions. AUB is a full-service commercial bank with a physical branch presence, while GoTyme is a digital bank backed by the Gokongwei Group and Tyme Group, targeting a mobile-first customer base. Here's how they compare on the factors that matter most for refinancing.
| Feature | Asia United Bank | GoTyme |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Interest Rate | ~7.50% – 9.50% p.a. | ~7.25% – 9.00% p.a. |
| Loan Amount Range | 1,000,000 – 20,000,000 | 500,000 – 10,000,000 |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years | Up to 20 years |
| Processing Approach | Branch-based, in-person | Digital-first, app-based |
| Processing Fee | Approx. 1% of loan amount | Approx. 1% of loan amount |
| Approval Timeline | 2–4 weeks typical | 7–14 days (digital process) |
| Refinancing Available | Yes | Yes (select cases) |
| Pre-payment Penalty | Applies within fixed period | Applies within fixed period |
Interest Rate Comparison: What You'd Actually Pay
Interest rates are the single biggest driver of your monthly amortization and total loan cost. Let's look at a concrete example using a 3,000,000 peso home loan over 20 years.
| Scenario | Asia United Bank (~8.50%) | GoTyme (~8.00%) | Nook Best Rate (5.99%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Monthly Amortization | ~26,035 | ~25,093 | ~21,491 |
| Total Interest Paid | ~3,248,400 | ~3,022,320 | ~2,157,840 |
| Savings vs Nook Rate | — | — | Up to 1,090,560 savings |
Even a 0.50% difference between AUB and GoTyme translates to roughly 226,000 pesos in total interest over 20 years. The gap between either bank and Nook's best available rate of 5.99% p.a. can exceed 1,000,000 pesos on a 3,000,000 peso loan — making the choice of lender one of the most important financial decisions you'll make.
Fees and Hidden Costs
Beyond the headline interest rate, both banks charge fees that add to your total refinancing cost. Understanding these upfront can prevent surprises at loan closing.
| Fee Type | Asia United Bank | GoTyme |
|---|---|---|
| Processing / Application Fee | ~1% of loan amount | ~1% of loan amount |
| Appraisal Fee | 3,500 – 6,000 (est.) | 3,500 – 5,000 (est.) |
| Notarial / Legal Fee | Charged separately | Charged separately |
| Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI) | Required | Required |
| Fire Insurance | Required annually | Required annually |
| Pre-termination Fee | 2%–5% of outstanding balance | 2%–5% of outstanding balance |
Always request a full Statement of Account and a Loan Disclosure Statement from any lender before signing. This ensures you see the true Annual Percentage Rate (APR), not just the nominal interest rate advertised.
Application Process: Branch vs Digital
One of the most meaningful differences between AUB and GoTyme is how you apply. AUB follows a traditional bank model — you'll visit a branch, submit physical documents, and work with a loan officer through the process. This can feel more hands-on and reassuring for first-time refinancers, but it's slower.
GoTyme, as a digital bank, processes applications primarily through its mobile app. This appeals to borrowers who are comfortable with technology and want a faster, paperless experience. For a comparison of how GoTyme measures up to another digital-adjacent lender, see our GoTyme vs SB Finance home loan comparison.
AUB Application Requirements (typical):
- Accomplished application form
- Valid government-issued ID (2 copies)
- Latest ITR and BIR Form 2316
- Certificate of Employment or business documents
- 3-month payslips
- Collateral documents (TCT, tax declaration)
- Latest Statement of Account from current lender (for refinancing)
GoTyme Application Requirements (typical):
- GoTyme bank account (may be required)
- Valid ID and selfie verification
- Income documents (digital submission accepted)
- Property documents (scanned copies)
- Existing loan documents for refinancing
GoTyme's digital submission reduces the need for branch visits, which is a genuine time-saver. However, for complex refinancing cases — such as properties with pending titles or borrowers with mixed income sources — a human loan officer at AUB may provide more flexibility in working through documentation challenges.
Refinancing with Asia United Bank
AUB accepts refinancing applications for residential properties including condominiums, townhouses, and house-and-lot units. The bank typically requires the property to be in good standing with the current lender, with no arrears. AUB's fixed-rate repricing periods are commonly 1, 2, 3, or 5 years, after which the rate adjusts to prevailing market rates.
For borrowers currently paying above 8% with another bank, refinancing to AUB could lower your rate — but it depends heavily on current market conditions and your individual credit profile. Always compare AUB's offer against the broader market before committing. To see how AUB-adjacent lenders compare, you may also find our Bank of Commerce vs GoTyme comparison useful as a reference point.
Refinancing with GoTyme
GoTyme's home loan product is relatively new in the Philippine market, which means its refinancing track record is more limited than established commercial banks. Availability and terms may vary depending on your property type and location. GoTyme's digital-first model means faster processing when everything goes smoothly, but borrowers with non-standard situations may find less flexibility.
If you're exploring GoTyme and want to see how it compares to other emerging lenders, check our GoTyme vs Philippine Business Bank comparison for additional context.
Why Neither May Be Your Best Option
Comparing AUB and GoTyme is a useful exercise — but it only gives you two data points in a market with over a dozen active home loan lenders. The best refinancing decision comes from comparing across the entire market simultaneously, which is exactly what Nook does.
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker. We work with multiple banks and lending institutions to find the lowest rate you qualify for — and our service is completely free to borrowers. We earn from the lender, not from you. Whether you're refinancing a 1,500,000 peso condo or a 10,000,000 peso house-and-lot, Nook gives you a transparent comparison in minutes, not weeks.
The best rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — significantly lower than what most homeowners are currently paying.
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 GoTyme?
It depends on your priorities. Asia United Bank has a longer track record in home lending and offers in-person support through its branch network, which can be helpful for complex refinancing cases. GoTyme offers a faster, digital application process that suits tech-comfortable borrowers with straightforward loan profiles. However, for the best overall refinancing outcome, we recommend comparing both — along with all other major lenders — through Nook, which is free and shows you the full market at once.
What interest rates do Asia United Bank and GoTyme offer for home loans?
Asia United Bank typically offers home loan rates ranging from approximately 7.50% to 9.50% per annum, depending on the fixed-rate period and your credit profile. GoTyme's rates are broadly similar, typically ranging from 7.25% to 9.00% per annum. These rates are subject to change and depend on your specific loan amount, term, and financial standing. Through Nook, borrowers can access rates starting at 5.99% p.a., which can result in significant savings over the life of the loan.
How much can I save by refinancing through Nook instead of going directly to AUB or GoTyme?
On a 3,000,000 peso loan over 20 years, the difference between a rate of 8.50% (typical AUB range) and Nook's best available rate of 5.99% p.a. can exceed 1,000,000 pesos in total interest savings. Monthly savings can be anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 pesos or more, depending on your loan size and term. Nook's service is completely free to borrowers, so there's no cost to finding out how much you could save.
Does GoTyme have a physical branch for home loan inquiries?
GoTyme operates primarily as a digital bank and does not have a traditional branch network for home loan consultations. Most of the application and communication process happens through their mobile app or online channels. If you prefer face-to-face support throughout your refinancing journey, Asia United Bank's physical branches may be more suitable — or you can work with Nook, whose mortgage advisors guide you through the entire process digitally at no charge.
What documents do I need to refinance my home loan with Asia United Bank?
To refinance with Asia United Bank, you'll typically need: valid government-issued IDs, your latest Income Tax Return and BIR Form 2316, a Certificate of Employment and recent payslips (or business documents if self-employed), property documents such as the Transfer Certificate of Title and tax declaration, and a latest Statement of Account from your current lender. AUB may request additional documents depending on your specific situation.
Is GoTyme a legitimate bank for home loans in the Philippines?
Yes, GoTyme Bank is a BSP-regulated digital bank in the Philippines, backed by the Gokongwei Group and Tyme Group. It is a legitimate financial institution authorized to offer deposit and lending products. However, its home loan product is newer compared to traditional commercial banks, so its refinancing track record is more limited. As with any lender, always review the full terms, fees, and APR before committing.
How long does it take to get approved for a home loan refinance with AUB vs GoTyme?
Asia United Bank typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to process and approve a home loan refinancing application, depending on document completeness and property appraisal scheduling. GoTyme's digital-first process can be faster, with some approvals coming through in 7 to 14 days for straightforward cases. Working through Nook can also accelerate the process, as our team pre-screens your application and submits to the most likely-to-approve lenders first.