Asia United Bank vs UnionBank: Home Loan Overview
Both Asia United Bank (AUB) and UnionBank are licensed Philippine banks offering home loan products, but they differ significantly in terms of rate transparency, digital accessibility, and the range of loan purposes they support. This comparison will help you decide which lender best fits your situation — whether you're buying a new home or looking to refinance your existing mortgage.
| Feature | Asia United Bank (AUB) | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Interest Rate | Not publicly disclosed; varies per branch | 7.00% p.a. (1-Year Fixed) |
| Home Equity Rate | Varies; inquire with branch | 7.00% p.a. |
| Minimum Monthly Income | Varies by branch | 30,000 |
| Maximum DTI | Not publicly specified | 50% |
| Employment Types Accepted | Limited public information | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional |
| Supported Loan Purposes | Purchase, construction (varies) | Foreclosed, Home Equity, New Construction, Pre-Selling, RFO, Renovation, Reselling |
| Digital Application | Branch-dependent | Available online via Nook |
| Nook Partner Bank | No | Yes — apply for free |
Interest Rate Comparison
One of the most critical factors in choosing a home loan is the interest rate. UnionBank publicly offers a 7.00% p.a. 1-year fixed rate through Nook, giving borrowers a clear benchmark to plan their finances around. Asia United Bank, by contrast, does not widely publish its home loan rates, which can make comparison shopping difficult and may require multiple branch visits just to get a quote.
For most borrowers currently paying between 7% and 10% on an existing mortgage, refinancing to UnionBank's 7.00% rate through Nook could represent meaningful monthly savings. For example, on a 3,000,000 loan with a remaining 20-year term, moving from a 9% rate to 7.00% could reduce your monthly payment by approximately 3,800 — savings that add up to over 45,000 per year.
It's also worth noting that Nook's best available refinance rate across all partner banks is currently 5.99% p.a. — significantly below what most Filipino homeowners are currently paying. See how other banks stack up against UnionBank if you want to explore all your options before deciding.
Note: All interest rates are subject to change. Borrowers should verify current rates directly with their chosen lender or through Nook before proceeding.
Eligibility Requirements
UnionBank's eligibility criteria through Nook are clearly defined and relatively accessible:
- Minimum monthly income: 30,000
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio (DTI): 50%
- Employment types: Private sector employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs and seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals
Asia United Bank's eligibility requirements are less transparently published. Applicants typically need to visit a branch or contact a loan officer directly to determine if they qualify, which adds friction to the application process.
For OFWs, self-employed borrowers, or BPO workers — groups sometimes underserved by traditional lenders — UnionBank's explicit acceptance of these employment types through Nook is a meaningful advantage.
Loan Purpose Coverage
UnionBank through Nook supports a wide range of home loan purposes, including:
- Ready for Occupancy (RFO) properties
- Pre-selling condominium and subdivision units
- New construction on owned lots
- Home renovation and improvement
- Reselling (secondary market)
- Foreclosed property acquisition
- Home equity loans (cash-out refinancing)
Asia United Bank's publicly available information on supported loan purposes is limited. While they do offer purchase and construction loans, the full scope of eligible loan types is not clearly documented for prospective borrowers researching online.
Application Process and Broker Access
One of the clearest advantages of UnionBank through Nook is the streamlined, fully digital application process. As a Nook partner bank, UnionBank loans can be applied for entirely online — no need to visit a branch, queue, or coordinate with multiple loan officers.
More importantly, Nook's service is 100% free to the borrower. There are no broker fees or hidden charges for using Nook to compare rates, prepare your application, or submit to UnionBank. Nook acts as your mortgage broker, handling the complexity of the process on your behalf.
Asia United Bank does not currently partner with Nook, meaning applicants must go directly through AUB's branch network — a process that can be slower and less transparent for first-time or refinancing borrowers.
If you've been comparing similar lenders, you may also find it useful to read our breakdown of Pag-IBIG vs UnionBank home loan rates to understand how government and private bank options compare.
Which Bank Is Better for Refinancing?
If you're refinancing an existing home loan, UnionBank through Nook is the stronger choice in this comparison. Here's why:
- Transparent, competitive rates: 7.00% p.a. fixed, with Nook's best available rate at 5.99% p.a.
- Free broker service: Nook handles your application at no cost to you
- Broad eligibility: Accepts OFWs, self-employed, BPO, government, and private employees
- Home equity loans available: If you have built equity and want to access cash, UnionBank's home equity product supports this
- Digital-first process: Apply from anywhere, without branch visits
For borrowers currently locked into a rate above 7.00% — and most Filipino homeowners are paying between 7% and 10% — refinancing to UnionBank through Nook is worth a serious look. Even a 1 to 2 percentage point reduction on a 5,000,000 loan can save you 5,000 to 10,000 per month.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current home loan rate at Asia United Bank?
Asia United Bank does not widely publish its home loan interest rates online. Rates vary depending on the branch, loan amount, and borrower profile. To get an accurate quote, you would need to contact AUB directly or visit a branch. By contrast, UnionBank offers a transparent 7.00% p.a. fixed rate through Nook, making it easier to compare and plan your finances.
What is UnionBank's home loan interest rate?
UnionBank's home loan rate through Nook is 7.00% p.a. for a 1-year fixed term. The same 7.00% rate applies to home equity loans. Note that interest rates are subject to change, so always verify the current rate through Nook or directly with UnionBank before applying.
Can I refinance my Asia United Bank home loan through Nook?
Nook specializes in home loan refinancing and can help you explore options across its partner banks, including UnionBank. If you currently have a home loan with AUB and are paying a higher rate, Nook can assess whether refinancing to a partner bank like UnionBank makes financial sense for your situation — at zero cost to you.
What is the minimum income requirement for a UnionBank home loan?
UnionBank requires a minimum monthly income of 30,000 for home loan applicants. This applies across employment types including private employees, government workers, OFWs, seafarers, BPO employees, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals.
Is Nook's mortgage broker service really free?
Yes, Nook's service is 100% free to the borrower. There are no broker fees, application fees, or hidden charges for using Nook to compare rates or submit a home loan or refinance application. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank when a loan is successfully processed — this cost is never passed on to you.
What loan purposes does UnionBank support?
Through Nook, UnionBank supports a wide range of loan purposes: Ready for Occupancy (RFO) purchases, pre-selling units, new construction, home renovation, reselling or secondary market purchases, foreclosed property acquisition, and home equity loans. This makes UnionBank one of the more flexible lenders for different borrower needs.
What is the best home loan refinance rate available in the Philippines right now?
The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. Most Filipino homeowners are paying between 7% and 10% on their existing mortgages, so refinancing to a lower rate can generate significant monthly savings. Use Nook's free service to find out which partner bank can offer you the most competitive rate based on your profile.