BDO vs BPI Housing Loan: At a Glance
Both BDO Unibank and BPI Family Savings Bank are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook's free platform. The table below summarizes the key differences to help you decide which bank fits your situation best.
| Feature | BDO Unibank | BPI Family Savings Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. | 6.70% p.a. |
| 5-Year Fixed Rate | Not published | 6.50% p.a. |
| Home Equity Rate | 6.00% p.a. | 6.70% p.a. |
| Minimum Monthly Income | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| Maximum DTI | 40% | 40% |
| Typical Approval Time | 30 days | 52 days |
| Accepted Employment Types | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional |
| Loan Purposes | Refinancing, Home Equity, New Construction, RFO, Pre-Selling, Reselling, Renovation, Foreclosed | Refinancing, Home Equity, New Construction, RFO, Pre-Selling, Reselling, Renovation, Foreclosed |
| Broker Fee via Nook | Free | Free |
Interest rates are subject to change. Please verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before applying.
Interest Rate Comparison: How Much Could You Save?
The 0.70 percentage point difference between BDO's 6.00% p.a. and BPI's 6.70% p.a. may look small on paper — but over the life of a home loan, it adds up significantly. Here's how monthly payments compare on a 20-year loan at two common loan amounts.
| Loan Amount | BDO @ 6.00% (Monthly) | BPI @ 6.70% (Monthly) | Monthly Difference | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000,000 | 14,321 | 15,163 | 842 | 10,104 |
| 4,000,000 | 28,642 | 30,326 | 1,684 | 20,208 |
| 6,000,000 | 42,963 | 45,489 | 2,526 | 30,312 |
These estimates are based on a 20-year term with the 1-year fixed rate used as the benchmark. Actual monthly amortization will depend on the repricing schedule, remaining term, and final approved rate. If you're currently paying 8% or higher, refinancing to either BDO or BPI through Nook could produce even larger savings.
BDO Housing Loan: Key Strengths
BDO Unibank is the Philippines' largest bank by assets and one of the most active home loan lenders in the country. Here's why many borrowers choose BDO:
- Lowest available rate: BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. is among the most competitive in the market, and matches Nook's best available refinance rate.
- Fast approval: BDO typically approves home loans within 30 days — significantly faster than the industry average and faster than BPI's 52-day timeline.
- Wide loan purpose coverage: BDO supports refinancing, home equity loans, new construction, RFO, pre-selling, reselling, renovation, and foreclosed properties.
- Broad employment acceptance: BDO accepts borrowers from the private sector, government, BPO industry, OFWs and seafarers, as well as self-employed individuals and professionals.
The main consideration with BDO is the higher minimum monthly income requirement of 50,000. If your household income is between 40,000 and 49,999, BPI may be the more accessible path.
BPI Housing Loan: Key Strengths
BPI Family Savings Bank has a long track record in housing finance and is known for accessible qualification standards and flexible loan structures. Key advantages include:
- Lower income threshold: BPI's minimum monthly income requirement of 40,000 makes it accessible to a broader range of borrowers, including those early in their careers or in lower-cost regions.
- 5-Year Fixed option: BPI offers a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. — giving borrowers the option to lock in their rate for longer and reduce repricing risk.
- Same DTI ceiling: Like BDO, BPI allows a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 40%, offering meaningful borrowing capacity relative to monthly income.
- Full loan purpose coverage: BPI supports all major home loan purposes including refinancing, home equity, construction, and reselling.
The trade-off is a slightly higher 1-year fixed rate and a longer typical approval timeline of 52 days. For borrowers who qualify for BDO, BDO is likely to be cheaper — but BPI remains an excellent option and a strong fallback if BDO's income requirement isn't met.
Who Should Choose BDO?
- Borrowers with a monthly income of at least 50,000 who want the lowest possible rate
- Homeowners looking to refinance quickly, given BDO's 30-day approval turnaround
- OFWs, seafarers, and self-employed borrowers who need a bank with flexible employment acceptance
- Those taking out a home equity loan who want to minimize borrowing costs
Who Should Choose BPI?
- Borrowers earning between 40,000 and 49,999 per month who don't meet BDO's income floor
- Those who prefer a longer fixed-rate period and want BPI's 5-year fixed option at 6.50% p.a.
- Borrowers refinancing a BPI loan who may benefit from the bank's internal refinancing process
- Homebuyers who want to compare options across a wide range of property types and purchase structures
Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Directly?
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker — and its service is completely free for borrowers. When you apply through Nook, you get:
- One application, multiple banks: Nook can submit your profile to BDO, BPI, and other partner banks simultaneously, so you get the best available offer without filling out multiple forms.
- Expert guidance: Nook's mortgage specialists help you prepare your documents, assess your eligibility, and choose the bank most likely to approve your loan at the lowest rate.
- No broker fees: Unlike traditional mortgage brokers, Nook charges you nothing. The banks pay Nook directly for successful referrals.
- Faster processing: Nook's digital platform streamlines document submission and follow-up, helping speed up the approval process with both BDO and BPI.
If you're deciding between BDO and BPI, or comparing these two against other lenders, you may also find it helpful to review our three-way comparison of BDO, BPI, and Metrobank refinance rates before making a final decision.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has a lower housing loan rate — BDO or BPI?
BDO currently has a lower 1-year fixed rate at 6.00% p.a., compared to BPI's 6.70% p.a. On a 20-year loan of 4,000,000, this difference amounts to roughly 1,684 per month in savings with BDO. However, BPI offers a 5-year fixed option at 6.50% p.a., which may appeal to borrowers who want longer rate stability. Rates are subject to change — verify the latest rates through Nook or directly with the bank.
What is the minimum income required for a BDO or BPI housing loan?
BDO requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000, while BPI requires a lower minimum of 40,000. If your monthly income falls between 40,000 and 49,999, BPI is likely your more accessible option. Both banks accept income from a variety of sources including salaried employment, self-employment, OFW remittances, and professional practice.
How long does it take to get approved for a home loan at BDO vs BPI?
BDO typically approves home loans within 30 days, while BPI's typical approval timeline is around 52 days. If speed is a priority — for example, if you're racing to meet a seller's deadline — BDO's faster turnaround gives it a meaningful advantage. Applying through Nook can help streamline document submission and follow-up for both banks.
Can I apply to both BDO and BPI at the same time?
Yes, and this is actually one of the advantages of applying through Nook. Nook can submit your application to multiple partner banks simultaneously, including both BDO and BPI, so you can compare actual offers before committing. This increases your chances of approval and ensures you get the most competitive rate available to you.
Is BDO or BPI better for home loan refinancing?
Both BDO and BPI offer refinancing as an approved loan purpose. BDO's lower rate of 6.00% p.a. makes it the stronger option if you're refinancing to reduce your monthly payments and you meet the 50,000 income requirement. BPI is a solid alternative if you prefer a 5-year fixed rate or if your income is closer to the 40,000 floor. If you're currently paying 7% or more, refinancing to either bank through Nook could generate significant monthly savings.
Does Nook charge a fee for helping me compare BDO and BPI?
No. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers. Nook is compensated by the banks when a loan is successfully placed, so you pay nothing for the comparison, application assistance, or document processing support. There are no hidden fees or obligations.
What types of properties can I finance with a BDO or BPI housing loan?
Both BDO and BPI support a wide range of property types and loan purposes. This includes ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units, pre-selling properties, new construction, renovation, reselling, home equity loans, and foreclosed properties. Whether you're buying a condo, a house and lot, or refinancing an existing mortgage, both banks have options to suit your needs.
What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio for BDO and BPI housing loans?
Both BDO and BPI cap the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio at 40%. This means your total monthly debt obligations — including the new housing loan — should not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income. For example, if your monthly income is 80,000, your total monthly debt payments (including the home loan) should not exceed 32,000.