AUB vs Robinsons Bank Home Loan: Side-by-Side Overview
Choosing between AUB (Asia United Bank) and Robinsons Bank for your home loan or refinance requires looking beyond headline rates. Below we break down the key differences across rates, fees, eligibility, and process — so you can make a fully informed decision.
Important note: Interest rates for both AUB and Robinsons Bank are approximate, based on publicly available information, and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current rates directly with the bank before making any financial decisions.
| Feature | AUB | Robinsons Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative Interest Rate | ~7.00% – 9.50% p.a. | ~7.25% – 10.00% p.a. |
| Loan Amount | From 500,000 | From 500,000 |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years | Up to 20 years |
| Re-pricing Period | 1, 2, 3, 5 years | 1, 2, 3, 5 years |
| Processing Fee | Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 | Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Pre-termination Penalty | Typically applies within fixed period | Typically applies within fixed period |
| Online Application | Partial (branch follow-up required) | Partial (branch follow-up required) |
| Best For | Borrowers seeking mid-tier bank flexibility | Existing Robinsons ecosystem customers |
Interest Rate Comparison: What You'd Actually Pay
To illustrate the real-world impact of rate differences, here's a monthly payment comparison on a 3,000,000 home loan over 20 years at varying indicative rates:
| Annual Rate | Monthly Payment (3M / 20 yrs) | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 5.99% p.a. (Nook best rate) | 21,472 | 2,153,280 |
| 7.00% p.a. (AUB indicative low) | 23,259 | 2,582,160 |
| 8.00% p.a. (mid-range) | 25,093 | 3,022,320 |
| 9.50% p.a. (AUB indicative high) | 27,964 | 3,711,360 |
| 10.00% p.a. (Robinsons indicative high) | 28,950 | 3,948,000 |
At 5.99% vs 8.00%, a borrower with a 3,000,000 loan saves approximately 1,788 per month — that's over 429,000 in total interest savings over a 20-year term. The difference compounds even further on larger loan amounts.
If your current home loan is priced at 8% or above, it's worth exploring whether refinancing through Nook could bring your rate down significantly. Nook works with multiple partner banks to find you the most competitive refinance rate available — at no cost to you.
AUB Home Loan: Key Features and Considerations
Asia United Bank is a mid-sized universal bank in the Philippines that has been steadily growing its home loan portfolio. Here's what borrowers typically encounter:
- Rate structure: AUB offers fixed-rate periods of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years before re-pricing to the bank's prevailing rate. Indicative rates generally range from approximately 7.00% to 9.50% p.a., depending on the fixing period and loan profile.
- Loan amounts: AUB accommodates loans starting from around 500,000, making it accessible for lower-value properties as well as higher-end purchases.
- Collateral: Standard residential properties — house and lot, condominium units, townhouses — are generally accepted.
- Eligibility: Filipino citizens and qualifying foreign nationals (with Filipino spouse) may apply. Minimum age typically 21 years old, with loan maturity not exceeding age 65-70.
- Processing time: Typically several weeks, with requirements including income documents, property title, and tax declarations.
- Consideration: AUB does not have as wide a branch network as the large universal banks, which may affect in-person processing convenience depending on your location.
Overall, AUB can be a solid option for borrowers who have an existing relationship with the bank or who are looking outside the Big Three (BDO, BPI, Metrobank) for more personalized service.
Robinsons Bank Home Loan: Key Features and Considerations
Robinsons Bank is part of the JG Summit Group and benefits from integration with the Robinsons retail ecosystem. However, its home loan product should be evaluated on its own merits:
- Rate structure: Robinsons Bank's indicative home loan rates range from approximately 7.25% to 10.00% p.a. depending on fixing period and borrower profile. As with all banks, these rates are approximate and subject to change.
- Loan amounts: Minimum loan amounts typically start at around 500,000, with no published maximum for qualified borrowers.
- Re-pricing: Standard re-pricing periods of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years are available. After the fixed period ends, the rate re-prices to the bank's prevailing rate, which introduces future payment uncertainty.
- Ecosystem advantage: Existing Robinsons Bank deposit or credit card customers may benefit from a more streamlined application experience.
- Branch network: Robinsons Bank has a growing but still limited branch network compared to the large universal banks, which could affect application and servicing convenience.
- Digital capabilities: The bank has been investing in digital banking under the GoTyme partnership structure, though home loan processing still involves significant manual steps.
If you're comparing Robinsons Bank against other lenders, you may also find our GoTyme vs Robinsons Bank comparison and the RCBC vs Robinsons Bank comparison useful for a broader picture of where Robinsons Bank stands in the market.
Fees and Hidden Costs: What to Watch For
The interest rate is only part of the true cost of a home loan. Both AUB and Robinsons Bank, like most Philippine banks, charge additional fees that can add up quickly:
| Fee Type | AUB (Approximate) | Robinsons Bank (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing / Appraisal Fee | 5,000 – 10,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | Borrower-paid (per BIR schedule) | Borrower-paid (per BIR schedule) |
| Mortgage Registration Fee | Borrower-paid (per RD schedule) | Borrower-paid (per RD schedule) |
| Notarial Fee | Approximately 1,000 – 3,000 | Approximately 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Pre-termination Penalty | Typically 2%–5% of outstanding balance | Typically 2%–5% of outstanding balance |
| Late Payment Penalty | Typically 2%–5% per month on overdue | Typically 2%–5% per month on overdue |
Important: All fees listed above are approximate and based on publicly available information. Actual fees may vary and are subject to change. Always request a full fee disclosure from any bank before signing.
When refinancing, it's also critical to factor in the one-time costs of switching lenders — including cancellation of mortgage on the old loan and registration of the new mortgage. Nook's mortgage advisors can help you calculate your break-even point to determine if refinancing makes financial sense for your situation.
Which Bank is Easier to Qualify With?
Both AUB and Robinsons Bank follow broadly similar eligibility criteria for home loans, in line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) guidelines. Here's a general comparison:
- Employment: Both accept locally employed, self-employed, and OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) applicants, though documentation requirements differ.
- Income requirement: Both typically require a minimum gross monthly income sufficient to cover mortgage payments within a debt-to-income ratio of around 30%–40%.
- Credit history: A clean credit history with no major derogatory records is expected by both lenders.
- Property type: Both banks finance house and lot, condominium units, and vacant lots (with some restrictions), provided the property has a clean title.
- OFW borrowers: Both banks accommodate OFW applicants with appropriate income documentation (employment contract, proof of remittance, etc.).
In practice, neither AUB nor Robinsons Bank is notably more lenient or more strict than the other for standard borrower profiles. The bigger differentiator is usually the rate offered and the efficiency of the application process.
Should You Refinance with AUB or Robinsons Bank?
If you're currently paying a home loan rate of 8% or higher, refinancing could meaningfully reduce your monthly payments and total interest paid. But the question isn't just whether to refinance — it's where to refinance.
Here's the reality: both AUB and Robinsons Bank offer rates that, while competitive versus older loan vintages, may not represent the lowest rates available in today's market. The best refinance rates currently available through Nook's partner bank panel are as low as 5.99% p.a. — which is lower than the indicative ranges published by either AUB or Robinsons Bank.
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker. We compare refinance offers from multiple partner banks simultaneously, present you with the best options, and handle the paperwork — at no cost to you, ever. There's no obligation to proceed, and comparing takes just minutes.
If you're evaluating Robinsons Bank specifically against other mid-market lenders, you may also find the Maybank vs Robinsons Bank comparison helpful before making your final decision.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current interest rate for AUB home loans?
AUB's indicative home loan rates are approximately 7.00% to 9.50% p.a. depending on the fixing period selected (1, 2, 3, or 5 years) and your borrower profile. These rates are approximate, based on publicly available information, and subject to change. Always verify the current rate directly with AUB before applying.
What is the current interest rate for Robinsons Bank home loans?
Robinsons Bank's indicative home loan rates are approximately 7.25% to 10.00% p.a. depending on the fixing period and loan profile. These are approximate figures based on publicly available information and are subject to change without notice. Contact Robinsons Bank directly for their latest published rates.
Is AUB or Robinsons Bank better for a home loan?
For most borrowers, the best choice depends on the specific rate offered for your loan amount, term, and fixing period — not just the bank's name. AUB may offer slightly more flexibility for certain borrower profiles, while Robinsons Bank may be more convenient if you're already a customer. However, both banks' indicative rates are higher than the 5.99% p.a. refinance rates currently available through Nook's partner bank panel, so it's worth comparing all options before deciding.
Can I refinance my AUB home loan with another bank?
Yes, you can refinance an AUB home loan with another bank — including Nook's partner banks. To determine if refinancing makes sense, compare your current AUB rate against the best available refinance rate (currently 5.99% p.a. through Nook) and factor in one-time switching costs such as mortgage cancellation and re-registration fees. Nook's advisors can help you calculate your break-even point for free.
Can I refinance my Robinsons Bank home loan with another bank?
Yes. If your Robinsons Bank home loan is beyond its fixed-rate lock-in period, you can refinance with another lender. If you're still within the fixed period, a pre-termination penalty (typically 2%–5% of the outstanding balance) may apply — factor this into your refinancing cost calculation. Nook can help you assess whether refinancing out of Robinsons Bank makes financial sense for your specific situation.
How much can I save by refinancing my home loan to 5.99% p.a.?
The savings depend on your outstanding loan balance, remaining term, and current rate. As an example, on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, refinancing from 8.00% to 5.99% p.a. saves approximately 1,788 per month and over 429,000 in total interest. On a 5,000,000 loan, the savings are proportionally larger. Use Nook's free refinance calculator or speak with a Nook advisor to get a personalised estimate.
What fees are involved in switching home loans in the Philippines?
When refinancing, one-time costs typically include: mortgage cancellation fee (for removing the old bank's lien), documentary stamp tax on the new loan, mortgage registration fee with the Register of Deeds, notarial fees, and any processing or appraisal fee charged by the new lender. These vary but can range from approximately 30,000 to over 100,000 depending on the loan amount and property location. Nook advisors can help you calculate total refinancing costs upfront so there are no surprises.
Is Nook's mortgage brokering service really free?
Yes — Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers. Nook is compensated by partner banks when a loan is successfully placed, not by the borrower. You pay no broker fee, no advisory fee, and no application fee to use Nook. This means you can compare refinance options across multiple banks at no cost and with no obligation to proceed.
How long does it take to refinance a home loan in the Philippines?
The refinancing process in the Philippines typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from application to loan release, depending on the lender's processing speed, the completeness of your documents, and the complexity of the property title. Nook streamlines this process by coordinating with partner banks on your behalf, helping to avoid common delays caused by incomplete requirements or miscommunication.