AUB vs RCBC Home Loan Rates at a Glance
Both Asia United Bank (AUB) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) are well-established Philippine banks with active home loan and refinancing products. To compare them meaningfully, it helps to look at indicative rates, fixing period options, fees, and loan parameters side by side.
| Feature | AUB | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative Rate (1-year fix) | ~7.50% p.a. | ~7.25% p.a. |
| Indicative Rate (3-year fix) | ~8.00% p.a. | ~7.75% p.a. |
| Indicative Rate (5-year fix) | ~8.50% p.a. | ~8.25% p.a. |
| Minimum Loan Amount | 500,000 | 300,000 |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to 80% of appraised value | Up to 80% of appraised value |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years | Up to 20 years |
| Processing Fee | Varies (typically 3,000–5,000) | Varies (typically 3,000–6,000) |
| Appraisal Fee | Charged separately | Charged separately |
| Early Repayment Penalty | Typically within fixing period | Typically within fixing period |
Note: Rates above are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm current rates directly with the bank or through Nook.
Monthly Repayment Comparison
To make this concrete, here's how monthly repayments compare on a 3,000,000 peso home loan over 20 years at different rates.
| Rate | Monthly Repayment | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 5.99% p.a. (Nook best rate) | 21,491 | 2,157,840 |
| 7.25% p.a. (RCBC indicative) | 23,697 | 2,687,280 |
| 7.50% p.a. (AUB indicative) | 24,067 | 2,776,080 |
| 9.00% p.a. (typical existing loan) | 26,992 | 3,478,080 |
On a 3,000,000 peso loan, refinancing from 9.00% down to 5.99% through Nook saves you approximately 1,320,240 pesos in interest over 20 years — that's money that stays in your pocket.
Fixing Period Options: AUB vs RCBC
One of the most important decisions in a Philippine home loan is choosing your interest rate fixing period — how long your rate is locked before it reprices. Both AUB and RCBC offer multiple options, but RCBC has historically provided a wider selection.
- AUB: Typically offers 1, 2, 3, and 5-year fixing periods. Straightforward options suited to borrowers who expect to reassess their loan every few years.
- RCBC: Offers 1, 2, 3, 5, and in some cases 10-year fixing periods, giving longer-term certainty for borrowers who want to lock in and forget.
If rate certainty over a longer horizon is your priority, RCBC's broader menu is an advantage. If you plan to sell, refinance again, or pay down your loan aggressively within 3 years, the difference matters less.
For a different set of comparisons involving banks on the shorter end of the fixing-period spectrum, see our AUB vs CIMB home loan comparison.
Eligibility Requirements
Both banks target similar borrower profiles, but there are nuances worth knowing before you apply.
| Requirement | AUB | RCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years old | 21 years old |
| Maximum Age at Loan Maturity | 65 years old | 65 years old |
| Employment Status | Employed or self-employed | Employed or self-employed |
| Minimum Monthly Income | Typically 40,000–50,000 | Typically 40,000–50,000 |
| OFW Applicants | Accepted with documentation | Accepted with documentation |
| Credit History | Clean credit required | Clean credit required |
For refinancing specifically, both banks will also assess the current loan status (no arrears), the remaining loan balance, and the current appraised value of the property.
Fees and Charges: What You'll Actually Pay
The headline interest rate is only part of the story. Fees can add up quickly on a refinance, and both AUB and RCBC have associated costs you need to factor in.
- Processing fee: Both banks charge a processing or application fee, typically ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 pesos. This is usually non-refundable.
- Appraisal fee: An independent appraisal of your property is required. Expect to pay 3,500 to 7,000 pesos depending on property size and location.
- Mortgage registration fee: Paid to the Registry of Deeds. This varies by loan amount but typically runs 5,000 to 15,000 pesos.
- Documentary stamp tax: A government tax on the mortgage document, typically 1.5 pesos per 200 pesos of the loan amount.
- Notarial fees: Usually a few thousand pesos for document notarization.
- Early repayment penalty: If you pay off or refinance again within the fixing period, both banks will typically charge a penalty — often 1% to 3% of the outstanding balance.
When Nook helps you refinance, we walk you through all applicable fees upfront so there are no surprises — and our service to you as the borrower is completely free.
When to Choose AUB
- You already bank with AUB and want to consolidate your relationship with one institution.
- You prefer a simpler product menu without too many choices.
- You want a 1 to 3-year fixing period and AUB's current quoted rate is competitive at the time of application.
- Your property is in a location well-served by AUB's appraisal network.
When to Choose RCBC
- You want a longer fixing period (5 or 10 years) for rate certainty.
- RCBC's current quoted rates are lower than AUB's at the time you apply.
- You value RCBC's wider branch and service network.
- You are an OFW or non-resident Filipino and prefer a bank with established OFW loan support.
Of course, neither bank is automatically the best choice for your specific situation. Rates change frequently, and both banks may price differently based on your loan amount, property type, and creditworthiness. This is exactly why using Nook — which shops across multiple lenders simultaneously — typically produces better outcomes than applying to either bank on your own. You can also explore how other bank pairs compare, such as our DBP vs UCPB home loan comparison, to get a fuller picture of the market.
The Nook Advantage: Better Than Both
Here's the key insight: when you apply directly to AUB or RCBC, you get one offer from one bank. When you apply through Nook, you get matched to the best available rate across our entire panel of partner lenders — and the best rate currently available is 5.99% p.a.
That rate is lower than the indicative rates from either AUB or RCBC shown in this comparison. And because Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers, there's no cost to letting us do the shopping for you.
The typical Filipino homeowner is paying between 7% and 10% on their existing home loan. Even moving from 8% to 5.99% on a 4,000,000 peso loan over 20 years saves you more than 700,000 pesos in interest. That's a significant financial impact — achievable simply by refinancing.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Is AUB or RCBC better for home loan refinancing?
It depends on your specific situation. RCBC generally offers a wider range of fixing period options, which suits borrowers who want longer rate certainty. AUB can be competitive on shorter fixing periods. However, the best approach is to compare both alongside other lenders at the same time — which is exactly what Nook does for free. The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a., which is typically lower than what either bank will quote directly.
What is the current home loan rate at AUB?
AUB's home loan rates vary depending on the fixing period and prevailing market conditions. Indicative rates typically start around 7.50% p.a. for a 1-year fix and increase for longer fixing periods. Rates change regularly, so it's best to check directly with AUB or through Nook for the most current quote.
What is the current home loan rate at RCBC?
RCBC's home loan rates are generally slightly more competitive than AUB's, with indicative rates starting around 7.25% p.a. for a 1-year fix. Like all Philippine banks, RCBC reprices its rates periodically based on market conditions. Always confirm the current rate before committing to an application.
Can I refinance from AUB to RCBC, or vice versa?
Yes. Refinancing from one bank to another is a standard process in the Philippines. You pay off your existing AUB or RCBC loan using funds from the new lender, and your mortgage is transferred accordingly. Nook can facilitate this process and help you find the best rate available, whether that's RCBC, AUB, or another lender on our panel.
How long does it take to refinance from AUB or RCBC?
The refinancing process in the Philippines typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from application to loan release, depending on the completeness of your documents, the bank's processing speed, and any Registry of Deeds backlogs. Nook helps streamline the process by preparing your documents correctly the first time.
Will I be penalized for refinancing away from AUB or RCBC?
If your current loan is within its fixing period, yes — both AUB and RCBC typically charge an early repayment penalty, usually 1% to 3% of the outstanding balance. If your fixing period has already ended or is about to end, you can usually refinance without penalty. Nook will calculate whether the savings from refinancing outweigh any penalty costs before recommending you proceed.
Is Nook's refinancing service really free?
Yes. Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and our service to borrowers is 100% free. We are compensated by the lender when a loan is successfully placed, so there is no fee charged to you at any stage. You still pay the standard government fees and bank charges associated with any home loan, but Nook's advisory and matching service costs you nothing.
What documents do I need to refinance my home loan?
Standard documents for a home loan refinance in the Philippines include a valid government-issued ID, proof of income (payslips or ITR for the last 2 years), a copy of your existing loan statement of account, your Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT), a tax declaration for the property, and proof of fire insurance. Nook provides a complete checklist and reviews your documents before submission to minimize back-and-forth with the bank.