⚖️ Bank Comparison

Asia United Bank vs RCBC

By the Nook Editorial Team · Reviewed to Nook's editorial standards

Choosing between Asia United Bank and RCBC for your home loan or refinance? We break down their rates, fees, and eligibility requirements so you can make the most informed decision — and potentially save hundreds of thousands of pesos over your loan term.

Our Verdict

RCBC Edges Out Asia United Bank for Most Refinancing Borrowers

RCBC offers a competitive 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. with transparent eligibility requirements and broad loan purposes including refinancing, making it the stronger choice for homeowners looking to lower their monthly payments. Asia United Bank (AUB) does not publicly publish standardized home loan rates, making direct comparison difficult and the application process less predictable. For borrowers seeking the best possible rate, Nook can access RCBC's terms plus other partner banks to find you the lowest rate available — completely free of charge.

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

FeatureAsia United Bank (AUB)RCBC
1-Year Fixed RateNot publicly disclosed7.00% p.a.
Home Equity RateNot publicly disclosed8.00% p.a.
Rate TransparencyLow — must inquire directlyHigh — rates published clearly
Minimum Monthly IncomeNot publicly disclosed50,000
Max Debt-to-Income RatioNot publicly disclosed30%
Typical Approval TimeNot publicly disclosed49 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 AmountAt 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 TypeAsia United Bank (AUB)RCBC
Private/Salaried EmployeeLikely accepted (unconfirmed)✓ Accepted
OFW / SeafarerUnclear✓ Accepted
Self-EmployedUnclear✓ 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 PurposeAsia United Bank (AUB)RCBC
RefinancingUnclear✓ Supported
Ready for Occupancy (RFO)Likely (unconfirmed)✓ Supported
Pre-SellingUnclear✓ Supported
Home Equity / Cash-OutUnclear✓ Supported (8.00% p.a.)
Foreclosed PropertiesUnclear✓ Supported
ResellingUnclear✓ 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.

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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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.