Asia United Bank vs Sterling Bank: Home Loan Overview
Asia United Bank (AUB) is a publicly listed universal bank in the Philippines with a growing retail banking presence, including home loan products for property purchases and refinancing. Sterling Bank of Asia, on the other hand, is a smaller thrift bank that has historically focused on consumer and SME lending, with home loans available but not as prominently marketed as its larger competitors.
For Filipino homeowners weighing these two institutions — whether for a new purchase or a refinance — the differences in product depth, rate competitiveness, and customer experience can be significant. Here's how they stack up.
Interest Rate Comparison
| Feature | Asia United Bank | Sterling Bank of Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative Fixed Rate (1-year) | 7.50% – 8.50% p.a. | 8.00% – 9.50% p.a. |
| Indicative Fixed Rate (3-year) | 7.75% – 8.75% p.a. | 8.25% – 9.75% p.a. |
| Indicative Fixed Rate (5-year) | 8.00% – 9.00% p.a. | 8.50% – 10.00% p.a. |
| Variable / Repricing Rate | Based on internal benchmark | Based on internal benchmark |
| Best Rate via Nook | From 5.99% p.a. | |
These are indicative ranges based on publicly available information and market research. Actual rates will depend on your loan amount, term, property type, and creditworthiness. Rates are subject to change — always confirm directly with the bank or through a broker like Nook.
Monthly Repayment Comparison
To illustrate the real-world impact of these rate differences, here's a sample monthly repayment calculation for a 3,000,000 peso home loan over a 20-year term:
| Interest Rate | Estimated Monthly Payment | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|
| AUB at 8.00% p.a. | 25,093 | 3,022,320 |
| Sterling Bank at 9.00% p.a. | 26,992 | 3,478,080 |
| Nook Best Rate at 5.99% p.a. | 21,484 | 2,156,160 |
At 5.99% p.a. versus AUB's 8.00%, a borrower with a 3,000,000 peso loan saves approximately 3,609 pesos per month and over 866,000 pesos in total interest over 20 years. Versus Sterling Bank at 9.00%, the savings are even more dramatic — over 1,321,000 pesos across the full loan term.
Fees and Charges
| Fee Type | Asia United Bank | Sterling Bank of Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | Approx 5,000 – 10,000 | Approx 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Appraisal Fee | 3,000 – 6,000 (third-party) | 3,000 – 6,000 (third-party) |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | Borne by borrower | Borne by borrower |
| Mortgage Registration | Borne by borrower | Borne by borrower |
| Early Repayment Penalty | Typically 2% – 3% in fixed period | Typically 2% – 3% in fixed period |
| Broker/Service Fee (via Nook) | Free — Nook charges nothing to borrowers | |
Both banks have broadly similar fee structures. The bigger variable is the interest rate, which over a 15-25 year term dwarfs any one-time processing or appraisal fee in terms of total cost impact.
Loan Features and Eligibility
| Feature | Asia United Bank | Sterling Bank of Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Loan Amount | Approx 500,000 | Approx 500,000 |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to 80% of appraised value | Up to 70% – 80% of appraised value |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years | Up to 20 years |
| Eligible Property Types | House and lot, condo, townhouse | House and lot, condo, townhouse |
| OFW / Non-Resident Applicants | Accepted with conditions | Limited availability |
| Refinancing Available | Yes | Yes |
AUB has a broader product suite and more experience handling OFW applications, which can be an advantage for overseas Filipino workers looking to refinance a property back home. Sterling Bank's home loan program is more limited in scope, and its rates tend to sit at the higher end of the market.
If you're also weighing other banks, our comparison of BPI vs Sterling Bank home loan rates shows how a major bank stacks up against Sterling Bank's offerings in more detail.
Application Process
| Step | Asia United Bank | Sterling Bank of Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-qualification | Branch visit or online inquiry | Branch visit required |
| Document Submission | Physical and some digital options | Primarily branch-based |
| Processing Time | 2 – 4 weeks typical | 2 – 5 weeks typical |
| Online Account Management | Available via AUB Online | Limited digital tools |
AUB has invested more in digital banking infrastructure, which can make the loan application and monitoring process somewhat more convenient. Sterling Bank's processes remain more traditional and branch-dependent, which may be a friction point for borrowers in areas without a nearby branch.
Which Bank Should You Choose for Refinancing?
If you're currently paying 8% or more on your existing home loan — whether with AUB, Sterling Bank, or any other lender — refinancing should be a serious consideration. The question isn't just which of these two banks is better; it's whether either of them is the best option available to you right now.
Through Nook, you can access rates starting at 5.99% p.a. from a panel of competing Philippine banks. Nook does the comparison work for you — at zero cost. There are no broker fees, no hidden charges, and no obligation to proceed.
For context on how mid-tier and government-backed banks compare to the private bank market, take a look at our guide on BDO vs Landbank home loan rates — a useful benchmark for understanding the full rate spectrum available to Filipino borrowers.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asia United Bank or Sterling Bank better for a home loan in the Philippines?
Asia United Bank generally offers more competitive rates, a wider product range, and better digital banking tools compared to Sterling Bank of Asia. However, both banks tend to sit above the best rates currently available in the Philippine mortgage market. Through a broker like Nook, you can access rates starting at 5.99% p.a. — lower than what either bank typically offers — at no cost to you.
What are Asia United Bank's current home loan rates?
Asia United Bank's home loan rates are typically in the range of 7.50% to 9.00% p.a. depending on the fixed-rate period you choose. Shorter fixed periods (1-year) tend to have lower initial rates, while longer fixed periods (5-year) are slightly higher. Rates are subject to change and depend on your loan profile, so it's best to get a current quote directly or through Nook for a side-by-side market comparison.
What are Sterling Bank of Asia's home loan rates?
Sterling Bank of Asia's home loan rates are generally higher than the market average, typically ranging from 8.00% to 10.00% p.a. depending on the term and fixed period. As a smaller thrift bank, Sterling Bank may have less pricing power compared to larger universal banks. If you're currently with Sterling Bank, refinancing through Nook to a lower-rate lender could result in significant monthly savings.
Can I refinance my Sterling Bank home loan to get a lower rate?
Yes, refinancing your Sterling Bank home loan is absolutely possible and could save you a substantial amount of money. If you're paying 8.00% or more, refinancing to a rate of 5.99% p.a. on a 3,000,000 peso loan over 20 years could save you over 1,300,000 pesos in total interest. Nook can help you refinance for free — they handle the bank comparisons and paperwork on your behalf.
How do I refinance my Asia United Bank home loan?
To refinance your AUB home loan, you'll need to apply with a new lender who will pay off your existing AUB balance and issue a new loan at a lower rate. The process typically involves a property appraisal, document submission (income proof, title, etc.), and loan processing of 2–4 weeks. Nook simplifies this entire process for free — submit your details once and Nook shops the market for the best refinance rate on your behalf.
How much can I save by refinancing instead of staying with Asia United Bank or Sterling Bank?
The savings depend on your current rate, loan balance, and remaining term. As an example: on a 3,000,000 peso loan with 20 years remaining, refinancing from 8.00% (AUB) to 5.99% p.a. saves approximately 3,609 pesos per month and over 866,000 pesos in total interest. From 9.00% (Sterling Bank range) to 5.99%, the monthly savings rise to roughly 5,508 pesos, totalling over 1,321,000 pesos. Use Nook's free refinance calculator to see your personalized savings estimate.
Does Nook charge a fee to compare Asia United Bank and Sterling Bank home loans?
No. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers. Nook is compensated by the bank when a loan is successfully placed, not by you. This means you get access to professional mortgage brokering, rate comparisons across multiple Philippine banks, and full application support at zero cost.
What documents do I need to refinance my home loan in the Philippines?
Standard documents for refinancing in the Philippines include: a valid government-issued ID, proof of income (payslips, ITR, or audited financial statements for self-employed), a copy of your Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT), your latest loan statement from your current bank, and proof of billing. Nook will guide you through exactly what's needed based on the lender you're applying with.