Asia United Bank vs RCBC: Home Loan Rate Overview
Asia United Bank (AUB) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) are both Philippine universal banks offering home loan products, but they differ significantly in reach, product depth, and typical rate offerings. Understanding those differences is critical before you commit to a refinance.
Most Filipino homeowners are currently paying between 7% and 10% per annum on their existing home loans — often because they signed up years ago and haven't revisited their rate since the fixed period expired. If that sounds familiar, comparing AUB and RCBC is a smart first step, though it's worth knowing the full market picture before you decide.
Interest Rate Comparison
| Feature | Asia United Bank | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative Rate Range | ~7.50% – 9.50% p.a. | ~6.75% – 9.00% p.a. |
| Fixed Rate Periods Available | 1, 2, 3, 5 years | 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 years |
| Variable Rate Option | Yes (after fixed period) | Yes (after fixed period) |
| Rate Re-pricing | Annual after fixed period | Annual after fixed period |
RCBC generally offers a wider range of fixed-rate periods, including a 10-year option that AUB does not prominently feature. For borrowers who want long-term payment certainty, this is a meaningful advantage. AUB's rates tend to sit slightly higher on average, though individual offers depend heavily on loan size, LTV ratio, and borrower profile.
For context: The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — meaningfully below the indicative floors of both banks listed here.
Monthly Payment Comparison (Sample Calculation)
To make this concrete, here's how monthly payments compare on a 3,000,000 peso home loan over 20 years at different rate scenarios:
| Rate Scenario | Monthly Payment (approx.) | Total Interest Paid (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.99% p.a. (Nook best rate) | 21,487 | 2,156,880 |
| 6.75% p.a. (RCBC indicative low) | 22,715 | 2,451,600 |
| 7.50% p.a. (AUB indicative low) | 24,056 | 2,773,440 |
| 9.00% p.a. (mid-market rate) | 26,992 | 3,478,080 |
On a 3,000,000 peso loan, the difference between a 7.50% AUB rate and Nook's best rate of 5.99% amounts to approximately 616,560 pesos in total interest savings over 20 years — or roughly 2,569 pesos less per month. That's a significant sum that could go toward your children's education, retirement savings, or simply more financial breathing room.
Fees and Charges Comparison
| Fee | Asia United Bank | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | ~5,000 – 10,000 | ~5,000 – 10,000 |
| Appraisal Fee | 3,500 – 6,000 (varies by property) | 3,500 – 6,500 (varies by property) |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | Borrower's account | Borrower's account |
| Mortgage Registration Fee | Borrower's account | Borrower's account |
| Prepayment Penalty | Typically applies within fixed period | Typically applies within fixed period |
| Early Termination Fee | Varies by contract | Varies by contract |
Both banks follow broadly similar fee structures for home loan origination. The key cost to watch for refinancers is the prepayment penalty on your existing loan — this is charged by your current lender when you exit your fixed period early, not by the bank you're refinancing into. Always confirm this figure before committing to a refinance timeline.
Loan Terms and Eligibility
| Criteria | Asia United Bank | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Loan Amount | ~500,000 | ~500,000 |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to 80% of appraised value | Up to 80% of appraised value |
| Maximum Loan Term | 20 years | 25 years |
| Eligible Borrowers | Filipino citizens, permanent residents | Filipino citizens, OFWs, permanent residents |
| OFW Borrowers | Limited product availability | Dedicated OFW home loan program |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old | 21 years old |
| Maximum Age at Loan Maturity | 65 years old | 65 years old |
RCBC has a clear advantage for OFW borrowers, with a dedicated program and more experience processing loan applications from overseas workers. AUB's OFW home loan options are more limited. For locally employed borrowers, both banks offer comparable eligibility criteria, though RCBC's longer maximum term of 25 years (vs. AUB's 20 years) can reduce monthly payments for those who need more flexibility.
Branch Network and Service Reach
RCBC operates a significantly larger branch network across the Philippines compared to Asia United Bank, with over 500 branches versus AUB's approximately 200. For borrowers outside Metro Manila, this means RCBC is more likely to have a branch convenient to you for document submission, notarization, and ongoing loan servicing.
Both banks offer online banking platforms, but RCBC's digital infrastructure is more mature, with more self-service options for loan account management. If your priority is digital convenience alongside competitive rates, you may also want to explore newer entrants to the home loan space — you can see how digital-first lenders compare in our GoTyme vs SB Finance home loan comparison for a different perspective on the market.
Refinancing with AUB or RCBC: What to Expect
The refinance process with both AUB and RCBC typically follows the same general steps:
- Loan application submission — Submit application form with income documents, property title, and existing loan statement.
- Property appraisal — Bank commissions an independent appraisal of your property (cost is typically shouldered by borrower).
- Credit evaluation — Bank reviews your income, employment stability, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio.
- Loan offer issuance — If approved, bank issues a formal Letter of Offer detailing rate, term, and conditions.
- Legal documentation — Mortgage documents are prepared, signed, and notarized.
- Title transfer of mortgage — The mortgage annotation on your title is transferred from your old bank to the new bank, with associated registry fees.
End-to-end, expect the process to take 4 to 8 weeks with either bank, depending on document completeness and registry processing times in your area. When you apply through Nook, we manage this entire process on your behalf — at zero cost to you.
Why the Lowest Advertised Rate Isn't Always What You Get
One thing borrowers frequently discover too late is that the advertised rate at any bank — AUB, RCBC, or otherwise — is the rate for the most qualified borrowers, at ideal LTV ratios, with strong income documentation. Your actual approved rate may be 0.5% to 1.5% higher depending on your profile.
This is exactly why working with a mortgage broker like Nook gives you an advantage. Nook submits your profile to multiple banks simultaneously, so you receive competing offers and can see your actual — not advertised — rate from each lender. You're not negotiating blind against one bank at a time.
If you're researching the broader market, it's also worth reviewing how smaller banks position their home loan products. Our PBCOM vs Sterling Bank home loan comparison offers a useful look at how mid-tier banks compete on rate and service.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for home loan refinancing — Asia United Bank or RCBC?
For most borrowers, RCBC offers a more competitive product overall: lower indicative rates, longer loan terms (up to 25 years vs AUB's 20 years), a wider branch network, and better support for OFW borrowers. That said, the best way to compare is to get actual loan offers from both banks, which Nook can arrange for free on your behalf.
What home loan rates does RCBC currently offer?
RCBC's home loan rates typically range from approximately 6.75% to 9.00% p.a., depending on the fixed-rate period you choose, the loan-to-value ratio, and your borrower profile. RCBC offers fixed periods of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years. Note that through Nook, qualified borrowers can access rates as low as 5.99% p.a. across our panel of partner banks.
Does Asia United Bank offer competitive home loan rates?
AUB's home loan rates generally range from approximately 7.50% to 9.50% p.a., which tends to be slightly higher than RCBC and several other major Philippine banks. AUB is a solid bank for other financial products, but its home loan product is less competitive in the current market, especially for refinancers seeking the lowest possible rate.
How much can I save by refinancing my home loan?
Savings depend on your current rate, loan balance, and remaining term. As an example, if you have a 3,000,000 peso loan with 20 years remaining at 8.00% p.a. and refinance to 5.99% p.a., you would save approximately 3,500 pesos per month — or around 840,000 pesos over the remaining life of the loan. Use Nook's free refinance calculator to estimate your personal savings.
Is refinancing from AUB or RCBC to another bank complicated?
The process involves a few steps — new bank application, property appraisal, credit evaluation, documentation, and title mortgage transfer — but it's manageable with the right guidance. Nook handles all coordination with both your existing and new lender, making the process significantly less stressful. Most refinances complete within 4 to 8 weeks.
Are there penalties for refinancing out of Asia United Bank or RCBC?
If your home loan is currently within its fixed-rate period, your existing bank (whether AUB, RCBC, or any other) will typically charge a prepayment penalty — usually 1% to 3% of the outstanding loan balance. If you are past your fixed period and on a floating rate, penalties are often waived or minimal. Always check your loan agreement before initiating a refinance.
Does Nook charge a fee to help me compare AUB and RCBC home loans?
No — Nook's service is completely free to borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank you ultimately choose, which means you get independent advice and access to multiple bank offers at zero cost to you. There's no obligation and no hidden charges.
Can OFWs apply for a home loan refinance through RCBC or AUB?
RCBC has a dedicated OFW home loan program and is generally more experienced in processing applications from overseas Filipino workers. AUB's OFW home loan options are more limited. If you're an OFW looking to refinance, Nook can match you with the lenders in our network most experienced with OFW applications, ensuring a smoother process.