⚖️ Bank Comparison

AUB vs UCPB

By the Nook Editorial Team · Reviewed to Nook's editorial standards

Choosing between AUB and UCPB for your home loan refinance? We break down the rates, fees, and terms side by side so you can see exactly which bank puts more money back in your pocket — and whether refinancing through Nook could save you even more.

Our Verdict

AUB edges out UCPB on flexibility, but Nook's 5.99% beats both

AUB (Asia United Bank) generally offers more competitive fixed-rate periods and a streamlined digital application experience compared to UCPB, which has historically leaned on its government-linked positioning and branch network. However, both banks' standard home loan rates typically sit well above 5.99% p.a. — meaning most borrowers who refinance through Nook can unlock savings that neither bank can match on its own. If you're currently paying 7% or higher with either lender, refinancing is likely worth exploring right now.

AUB vs UCPB Home Loan: Quick Comparison

Below is a head-to-head snapshot of how AUB and UCPB stack up on the metrics that matter most for Filipino homeowners considering a refinance.

FeatureAUBUCPB
Indicative Interest RateFrom ~7.50% p.a.From ~7.75% p.a.
Fixed-Rate Period Options1, 2, 3, 5 years1, 3, 5 years
Minimum Loan Amount1,000,000500,000
Maximum Loan AmountUp to 80% of appraised valueUp to 70% of appraised value
Loan TermUp to 20 yearsUp to 20 years
Processing Fee~10,000 (estimated)~10,000 (estimated)
Bank TypePrivate commercial bankPrivate commercial bank (formerly government)
Online ApplicationAvailableLimited

Note: Rates and terms are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm current offers directly with the bank or through a licensed broker like Nook.

Interest Rate Deep Dive

Interest rates are the single biggest driver of your monthly amortization and total loan cost. Here's how the two banks compare — and how they stack up against the best refinance rate currently available through Nook.

AUB Home Loan Rates

AUB typically advertises home loan rates starting around 7.50% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period. Longer fixed terms (3–5 years) tend to be priced slightly higher, which is standard practice across Philippine banks. AUB is known for being relatively transparent with its pricing and offers a more digitally accessible process than many mid-sized local banks.

UCPB Home Loan Rates

UCPB (United Coconut Planters Bank) has historically offered rates starting around 7.75% p.a., though these can vary based on borrower profile and loan-to-value ratio. UCPB was acquired by Landbank in 2022, which has brought some operational changes — borrowers should verify current rate availability directly, as product offerings may have evolved. You can also see how UCPB compares to other lenders in our Chinabank vs UCPB comparison for additional context.

How Both Compare to Nook's Best Rate

Through Nook's panel of partner lenders, qualified borrowers can access rates as low as 5.99% p.a. — that's potentially 150 to 175 basis points lower than what AUB or UCPB typically advertise. On a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, that difference can translate to savings of over 180,000 in total interest across a 5-year fixed period alone.

Best rate through Nook: 5.99% p.a. — free to apply, no obligation.

Monthly Amortization Comparison

To make the rate difference concrete, here's how monthly payments compare across three common loan amounts at indicative rates for AUB (7.50%), UCPB (7.75%), and Nook's best available rate (5.99%), all over a 20-year term.

Loan AmountAUB @ 7.50%UCPB @ 7.75%Nook @ 5.99%Monthly Savings vs AUB
1,500,00012,07012,29010,740~1,330
3,000,00024,14024,58021,480~2,660
5,000,00040,23040,96035,800~4,430

Figures are approximate and for illustrative purposes only. Actual amortization depends on final approved rate, fees, and loan structure.

Fees and Charges

Beyond the interest rate, upfront and ongoing fees can meaningfully affect the true cost of your home loan. Here's what to watch for with AUB and UCPB.

AUB Fees

UCPB Fees

When refinancing, you also need to factor in cancellation of mortgage fees and registration costs with the Registry of Deeds. Nook's advisors help you calculate your net savings after all fees so you're never left guessing.

Loan Features and Flexibility

Rates matter, but so does how the loan works day-to-day. Here's a closer look at what each bank offers beyond the headline number.

AUB

AUB is a full-service commercial bank that has invested in its digital banking infrastructure. Their home loan product supports online submissions, and turnaround times for approvals are generally competitive for a mid-sized bank. AUB allows borrowers to reprice at the end of each fixed-rate period, which is standard in the Philippines. Their maximum LTV of 80% is a meaningful advantage for borrowers who want to maximize borrowing capacity.

UCPB

UCPB historically served a broad retail market, including agricultural and cooperative sectors, given its founding mandate. Since integration with Landbank, some UCPB products have been rationalized. Their 70% maximum LTV is slightly more conservative than AUB's. For borrowers curious how UCPB stacks up against another government-linked lender, our DBP vs UCPB comparison is worth reading.

Which Bank Should You Choose — or Should You Look Beyond Both?

If you're deciding strictly between AUB and UCPB, AUB holds a modest edge: slightly lower indicative rates, a higher LTV ceiling, and a more modern application process. UCPB's conservative LTV and historically variable availability of products make it a less compelling choice for most refinancing scenarios today.

However, the more important question is whether either bank is actually the best option for your refinance. With rates starting at 5.99% p.a. through Nook — potentially 150+ basis points below what these banks advertise — the savings opportunity from looking beyond a single bank can be substantial. Nook compares offers from multiple lenders simultaneously, at zero cost to you, so you never have to settle for the first rate you're quoted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is AUB or UCPB better for home loan refinancing?

AUB generally offers a slight advantage over UCPB for refinancing, with lower indicative rates (around 7.50% vs 7.75%), a higher maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80%, and a more digitally accessible process. That said, both banks' rates are significantly higher than the best refinance rates available through a broker like Nook (currently 5.99% p.a.), so comparing beyond just these two lenders is strongly recommended.

What is the current home loan rate at AUB?

AUB's indicative home loan rates start at approximately 7.50% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period. Rates for longer fixed terms (3–5 years) may be slightly higher. These figures are subject to change based on borrower profile, loan-to-value ratio, and prevailing market conditions. Always confirm the latest rates directly with AUB or through a mortgage broker.

What is the current home loan rate at UCPB?

UCPB's indicative home loan rates have historically started around 7.75% p.a. However, since UCPB's integration with Landbank in 2022, some product availability and pricing may have changed. We recommend confirming current rates directly, as the product lineup may be in transition.

How much can I save by refinancing away from AUB or UCPB?

The savings depend on your current rate, remaining balance, and new rate. As an example: on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, moving from 7.50% (AUB) to 5.99% (Nook's best available rate) reduces your monthly payment by approximately 2,660 — that's over 31,920 saved per year. Over a 5-year fixed period, total interest savings could exceed 150,000. Use Nook's free refinance calculator to model your specific situation.

Is UCPB still operating as a bank?

UCPB (United Coconut Planters Bank) was acquired by Landbank of the Philippines and the merger was completed in 2022. Some UCPB branches and products have been absorbed into Landbank. If you currently have a home loan with UCPB, it's important to confirm the status of your loan and servicing arrangement, as it may now fall under Landbank's administration.

What fees should I expect when refinancing my home loan?

Common refinancing fees in the Philippines include a processing fee (typically around 10,000), property appraisal fee (3,500–6,000), documentary stamp tax (approximately 1.5% of the loan amount), mortgage redemption insurance, fire insurance, notarial fees, and Registry of Deeds registration fees. It's important to calculate total refinancing costs against projected interest savings to confirm the switch makes financial sense. Nook helps you run this full cost-benefit analysis for free.

How does Nook help me compare AUB, UCPB, and other lenders?

Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker. Rather than applying to each bank separately, Nook submits your profile to multiple lenders simultaneously and presents you with the best offers side by side. The service is 100% free to borrowers — Nook is compensated by the lender, not you. This means you get genuine market comparison without paying any broker fees.