⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs BPI

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

BDO and BPI are two of the Philippines' most trusted home loan lenders — but their rates, approval times, and requirements differ in ways that could save or cost you hundreds of thousands of pesos over the life of your loan. Here's a side-by-side breakdown so you can decide which bank actually works better for your situation.

Our Verdict

BDO Wins on Rate, BPI Wins on Income Flexibility — But the Real Winner Is Comparing Both Through Nook

BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. is lower than BPI's 6.70%, which can translate to meaningful monthly savings depending on your loan amount. However, BPI's lower minimum income requirement of 40,000/month makes it accessible to a wider range of borrowers, and its 5-year fixed option at 6.50% is worth considering if you value rate stability. The smartest move is to apply through Nook — it's 100% free, and Nook can submit your application to both banks simultaneously so you lock in whichever gives you the better offer.

BDO vs BPI Home Loan Rates (2026)

Interest rates are the single biggest factor in your total home loan cost. Here's how BDO and BPI stack up on their current fixed-rate offerings available through Nook:

Rate TypeBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
1-Year Fixed6.00% p.a.6.70% p.a.
5-Year FixedNot available6.50% p.a.
Home Equity Rate6.00% p.a.6.70% p.a.

Bottom line on rates: BDO has the lower starting rate at 6.00% p.a. on a 1-year fixed term. BPI counters with a 5-year fixed option at 6.50% — a competitive choice for borrowers who want medium-term rate certainty without going fully variable. Note that all rates are subject to change; verify current rates with Nook or the bank directly before making a decision.

To understand how these rates compare across a broader set of scenarios, see our BDO vs BPI vs Metrobank refinance rates comparison for 2026.

Monthly Payment Comparison: What the Rate Difference Actually Costs You

Rate percentages are abstract — let's translate them into real monthly payments. The table below uses a 20-year loan term for consistency.

Loan AmountBDO at 6.00%BPI at 6.70%Monthly Savings with BDO
2,000,00014,321/mo15,073/mo752/mo
4,000,00028,642/mo30,146/mo1,504/mo
6,000,00042,963/mo45,219/mo2,256/mo
8,000,00057,284/mo60,292/mo3,008/mo

On a 6,000,000 loan over 20 years, choosing BDO's 6.00% rate over BPI's 6.70% saves approximately 2,256 per month — or roughly 540,000 over the full loan term. That's a significant difference driven by just 0.70 percentage points.

Keep in mind these figures reflect the initial fixed-rate period only. After the fixed period expires, both banks reprice to prevailing rates, which is exactly why many Filipinos refinance periodically to keep their rate competitive.

Eligibility & Qualification Requirements

Getting a great rate only matters if you actually qualify. Here's how BDO and BPI compare on borrower eligibility:

RequirementBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
Minimum Monthly Income50,00040,000
Maximum Debt-to-Income (DTI)40%40%
Private Employed
Government Employed
BPO / Call Center
OFW / Seafarer
Self-Employed
Professional (Doctors, Lawyers, etc.)

Key difference: BPI's minimum monthly income threshold of 40,000 is lower than BDO's 50,000, making BPI the more accessible option for borrowers with moderate income. Both banks accept the same employment types, including OFWs and self-employed applicants — which is a plus for either lender. Both banks also apply a maximum DTI of 40%, meaning your total monthly debt obligations (including the new home loan payment) should not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use the Loan For?

Both banks are flexible in what they'll fund, but there are minor differences worth noting:

Loan PurposeBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
Refinancing
Home Equity / Cash Out
Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
Pre-Selling
New Construction
Renovation
Foreclosed Property
Reselling

Both banks cover the full spectrum of home loan purposes — from buying a brand-new condo pre-selling to refinancing an existing loan for a lower rate. If you're specifically looking to refinance, both are strong contenders, and you can read a deeper breakdown in our BDO vs BPI home loan refinance rates comparison.

Processing Time & Approval Speed

Speed matters — especially if you're refinancing to lock in a rate before it rises, or buying a property with a deadline.

FactorBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
Typical Approval Time~30 days~52 days

BDO's typical approval turnaround of approximately 30 days is significantly faster than BPI's 52 days. If you're working against a deadline — a transfer of title, a refinancing window, or a seller's timeline — BDO's processing speed is a genuine advantage. BPI's longer timeline is typical for larger banks with more thorough verification processes, but it's something to factor into your planning.

Applying Through Nook: Free, Fast, and Covers Both Banks

Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and its service is completely free to borrowers. Here's why applying through Nook makes sense when choosing between BDO and BPI:

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to a bigger property, or refinancing an existing loan to cut your monthly payments, starting with Nook means you never leave potential savings on the table.

Not sure which bank suits you?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a lower interest rate, BDO or BPI?

BDO currently offers a lower 1-year fixed rate at 6.00% p.a. compared to BPI's 6.70% p.a. However, BPI offers a 5-year fixed option at 6.50% p.a., which BDO does not. If you want rate certainty over five years, BPI's 5-year fixed may actually be the better choice. All rates are subject to change — verify current rates through Nook before applying.

Which bank is easier to qualify for — BDO or BPI?

BPI has a lower minimum monthly income requirement of 40,000 compared to BDO's 50,000, making BPI slightly more accessible for borrowers with moderate income. Both banks accept the same employment types including OFWs, self-employed professionals, and government employees, and both cap debt-to-income ratio at 40%.

How long does approval take at BDO vs BPI?

BDO typically processes home loan applications in approximately 30 days, while BPI's typical approval timeline is around 52 days. If you're working against a deadline, BDO's faster turnaround is a meaningful advantage.

Can I apply to both BDO and BPI at the same time?

Yes — and this is actually the smartest approach. Through Nook, you can submit your application to multiple banks simultaneously at no cost. This way you receive real offers from both and choose the better deal rather than guessing in advance.

Does BDO or BPI offer home equity loans?

Both banks offer home equity loans. BDO's home equity rate is 6.00% p.a. and BPI's is 6.70% p.a. A home equity loan lets you borrow against the value of your existing property — useful for renovations, business capital, or major expenses.

Is it free to apply for a home loan through Nook?

Yes, completely free. Nook is a mortgage broker that earns a referral fee from the bank — not from you. You get access to Nook's specialists, multi-bank comparison, and application support at zero cost to you as the borrower.

What is the lowest home loan rate I can get in the Philippines right now?

Through Nook, the best available refinance rate is currently 5.99% p.a. This is lower than both BDO's and BPI's standard posted rates. Eligibility depends on your loan amount, income, and property type. Contact Nook to find out if you qualify.

Can OFWs apply for a home loan with BDO or BPI?

Yes. Both BDO and BPI accept OFW and seafarer applicants for home loans. Nook can help OFWs navigate the documentation requirements and submit to the right bank based on their income structure and loan purpose.