Asia United Bank vs RCBC: Home Loan Rate Comparison
When comparing home loans or refinancing options in the Philippines, two names that sometimes come up are Asia United Bank (AUB) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). While both are established Philippine banks, they differ significantly in terms of rate transparency, eligibility requirements, and the range of loan purposes they serve.
Below, we break down what each bank offers so you can decide which is right for your situation — or whether refinancing through Nook might open even better options for you.
Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with the bank or through a licensed broker like Nook before making any financial decision.
Interest Rates at a Glance
| Feature | Asia United Bank (AUB) | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | Not publicly disclosed | 7.00% p.a. |
| Home Equity Rate | Not publicly disclosed | 8.00% p.a. |
| Rate Transparency | Low — must inquire directly | High — rates published clearly |
| Minimum Monthly Income | Not publicly disclosed | 50,000 |
| Max Debt-to-Income Ratio | Not publicly disclosed | 30% |
| Typical Approval Time | Not publicly disclosed | 49 days |
RCBC's rate transparency is a significant advantage. When you're refinancing, knowing the exact rate upfront allows you to calculate your potential savings before you even submit an application. AUB's lack of published rates makes it harder for borrowers to comparison-shop effectively.
Monthly Payment Comparison: RCBC at 7.00% vs a Typical Existing Loan
To illustrate the potential savings from refinancing to RCBC's 7.00% rate, here's how monthly payments compare against a borrower currently paying 9.00% — which is common among Filipino homeowners who took out loans 3–5 years ago.
| Loan Amount | At 9.00% (20-year term) | At 7.00% via RCBC (20-year term) | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000,000 | ~17,995 | ~15,506 | ~2,489 |
| 4,000,000 | ~35,990 | ~31,012 | ~4,978 |
| 6,000,000 | ~53,984 | ~46,517 | ~7,467 |
These figures are estimates based on standard amortization calculations and are for illustrative purposes only. Actual payments will vary based on your specific loan terms, fees, and the bank's assessment.
Eligible Borrower Types
One of RCBC's key strengths is its broad eligibility across different employment types. Whether you're a salaried employee, self-employed professional, OFW, or seafarer, RCBC has a home loan product designed for your situation.
| Borrower Type | Asia United Bank (AUB) | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Private/Salaried Employee | Likely accepted (unconfirmed) | ✓ Accepted |
| OFW / Seafarer | Unclear | ✓ Accepted |
| Self-Employed | Unclear | ✓ Accepted |
| Professional (Doctor, Lawyer, etc.) | Unclear | ✓ Accepted |
RCBC's inclusivity is especially beneficial for OFWs and self-employed borrowers, who often face tighter restrictions at other banks. If you fall into one of these categories, RCBC is clearly the more accommodating choice among the two.
Loan Purposes: What Can You Use the Loan For?
RCBC supports a wide range of loan purposes, making it a versatile option whether you're buying, building, or refinancing.
| Loan Purpose | Asia United Bank (AUB) | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | Unclear | ✓ Supported |
| Ready for Occupancy (RFO) | Likely (unconfirmed) | ✓ Supported |
| Pre-Selling | Unclear | ✓ Supported |
| Home Equity / Cash-Out | Unclear | ✓ Supported (8.00% p.a.) |
| Foreclosed Properties | Unclear | ✓ Supported |
| Reselling | Unclear | ✓ Supported |
For homeowners specifically looking to refinance, RCBC's explicit support for refinancing is a major plus. You can also explore how RCBC compares to other banks — for example, see our Bank of Commerce vs RCBC home loan comparison or our First Metro Investment vs RCBC breakdown for more context on how RCBC stacks up across the market.
Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Directly?
Whether you're leaning toward RCBC or still exploring your options, applying through Nook gives you a significant advantage: Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and its service is 100% free for borrowers.
- Access to multiple banks: Nook submits your application to multiple partner banks simultaneously, so you get the best rate available — not just RCBC's rate.
- Expert guidance: Nook's mortgage specialists guide you through every step of the process, from document preparation to approval.
- No broker fees: Banks pay Nook's commission, so you pay nothing extra.
- Faster processing: Nook's streamlined digital process helps move your application along efficiently.
- Best refinance rate: The lowest refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — significantly lower than what most Filipino homeowners are currently paying.
If you're currently paying 8%, 9%, or even 10% on your home loan, refinancing through Nook could save you tens of thousands of pesos every year. There's no reason not to check.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
How do Asia United Bank and RCBC home loan rates compare?
RCBC offers a published 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. and a home equity rate of 8.00% p.a. Asia United Bank does not publicly disclose its home loan rates, so borrowers must inquire directly to get a quote. For most borrowers comparing options, RCBC's transparency gives it a clear advantage in the comparison process.
Can I refinance my home loan with RCBC?
Yes. RCBC explicitly supports home loan refinancing as one of its approved loan purposes. With a 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. and a minimum monthly income requirement of 50,000, many Filipino homeowners qualify. Applying through Nook gives you access to RCBC's rates and other partner banks at no cost to you.
What is the minimum income required for an RCBC home loan?
RCBC requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000 for home loan applicants. This applies to salaried employees, self-employed individuals, OFWs, seafarers, and professionals. Income from a co-borrower may also be considered to meet this requirement.
How long does RCBC take to approve a home loan?
RCBC's typical approval timeline is approximately 49 days from submission of complete documents. Applying through a broker like Nook can help streamline the process by ensuring your documents are complete and correctly prepared before submission.
What is the best home loan refinance rate available in the Philippines right now?
The lowest refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. Most Filipino homeowners are currently paying between 7% and 10%, so refinancing at 5.99% could result in significant monthly savings. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers — banks pay the broker commission.
Is Asia United Bank a good option for home loans?
Asia United Bank (AUB) is a reputable Philippine bank, but its home loan rates and terms are not publicly published, which makes it difficult for borrowers to compare it against competitors like RCBC. Borrowers are advised to get a formal quote from AUB and compare it against offers from other banks before deciding. Nook can help you compare multiple offers simultaneously at no cost.
Does RCBC offer home loans for OFWs and self-employed borrowers?
Yes. RCBC accepts applications from a wide range of borrower types including private/salaried employees, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and professionals. This makes RCBC one of the more accessible banks in the Philippines for borrowers with non-traditional employment arrangements.