⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs BPI

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

BDO and BPI are the two biggest home loan lenders in the Philippines — but their 2026 rates, fixing options, and approval timelines differ in ways that could save (or cost) you thousands. Here's the unbiased, side-by-side breakdown.

Our Verdict

BDO wins on rate and speed; BPI wins on fixing flexibility — but the smartest move is letting Nook compare both for you, for free.

BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. is currently lower than BPI's 6.70% p.a. for the same period, and BDO's typical approval time of 30 days is faster than BPI's 52 days. However, BPI's 5-year fixed option at 6.50% p.a. gives borrowers who want longer rate certainty a compelling alternative — and BPI's lower minimum income requirement of 40,000 per month makes it more accessible to a wider range of applicants.

BDO vs BPI Housing Loan: 2026 Interest Rates 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 broker service without paying a single centavo in fees. Below is a direct comparison of their current advertised rates and key loan terms. Note that interest rates are subject to change; always verify current rates before applying.

FeatureBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a.6.70% p.a.
5-Year Fixed RateNot published6.50% p.a.
Home Equity Rate6.00% p.a.6.70% p.a.
Minimum Monthly Income50,00040,000
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio40%40%
Typical Approval Time30 days52 days

Interest Rate Comparison: Which Bank Is Cheaper?

For most borrowers choosing a 1-year fixed period, BDO's 6.00% p.a. is currently 0.70 percentage points lower than BPI's 6.70% p.a. That difference is more significant than it sounds on a typical Philippine home loan.

Consider a loan of 3,000,000 over 20 years:

Over a standard 1-year fixed period before repricing, that's roughly 13,692 in additional interest paid at BPI's rate versus BDO's — just on a 3,000,000 loan. On a 5,000,000 loan the gap widens to over 22,000 per year.

However, BPI has a card BDO doesn't publicly publish: a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. For borrowers who prioritise payment stability over the next five years and want to lock in a predictable budget, BPI's 5-year fix is worth serious consideration — especially since it sidesteps the uncertainty of annual repricing.

If you are currently paying 8% or higher on an existing home loan, both banks offer a meaningful improvement. See how these rates compare in a broader context in our BDO vs BPI vs Metrobank refinance rates comparison.

Eligibility: Who Qualifies at Each Bank?

Eligibility requirements affect whether you can borrow from a particular bank at all — not just how much you pay.

Eligibility FactorBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
Minimum Monthly Income50,00040,000
Maximum DTI40%40%
Employed (Private Sector)YesYes
Government EmployeeYesYes
BPO WorkerYesYes
OFW / SeafarerYesYes
Self-EmployedYesYes
Professional (e.g., doctor, lawyer)YesYes

BPI's lower minimum income threshold of 40,000 per month makes it more accessible — particularly for younger buyers, those in mid-level roles, or dual-income households where individual incomes are modest. BDO's 50,000 minimum may disqualify some applicants outright, even if they have excellent credit histories.

Both banks accept the same broad range of employment types, which is a genuine advantage compared to some lenders that restrict OFW or self-employed borrowers. If you earn in foreign currency or have irregular income, Nook's advisors can help you determine which bank is more likely to approve your specific profile.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use Each Loan For?

Loan PurposeBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
RefinancingYesYes
Home Equity / Cash-OutYesYes
Ready For Occupancy (RFO)YesYes
Pre-Selling / Off-PlanYesYes
New ConstructionYesYes
RenovationYesYes
Reselling / Secondary MarketYesYes
Foreclosed PropertiesYesYes

Both banks cover the full spectrum of home loan purposes. Whether you are buying a pre-selling condo, refinancing an existing Pag-IBIG or bank loan, or pulling out equity for renovations, either bank can accommodate you. This parity means your decision between the two should hinge on rate, income eligibility, and how quickly you need approval — not on loan purpose restrictions.

Approval Speed: How Long Will You Wait?

Approval timelines matter — especially if you're racing against a property reservation deadline or trying to lock in a rate before it changes.

BDO's 30-day turnaround is nearly half the time of BPI's 52-day process. If you are buying a property with a tight timeline — such as a pre-selling unit with a payment deadline — BDO's faster processing is a material advantage. For refinancing borrowers who have more flexibility on timing, BPI's longer process may be acceptable if the 5-year fixed rate is a better fit for your situation.

Keep in mind that these are typical timelines; individual cases vary based on document completeness, property type, and bank workload. Applying through Nook helps ensure your documents are in order before submission, which can prevent delays at either bank.

Refinancing: Which Bank Makes More Sense?

If you already have a home loan and are considering refinancing, both BDO and BPI are strong candidates — and both are meaningfully better than the rates most existing borrowers are currently paying.

The average Filipino homeowner with a loan taken out 3–7 years ago is likely paying between 7% and 10% p.a. after the initial fixed period expired. Refinancing to BDO at 6.00% or BPI at 6.50% (5-year fix) could represent savings of 1% to 4% per year on your outstanding balance.

On a remaining balance of 4,000,000, moving from 8.50% to 6.00% saves approximately 8,330 per month — or nearly 100,000 per year in interest charges.

For a deeper look at how these two banks compare specifically for refinancing, see our dedicated guide: BDO vs BPI home loan refinance rates.

Nook's refinancing service is 100% free to borrowers. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with your chosen bank, and make sure you're getting the best available rate — without charging you a broker fee.

Summary: BDO vs BPI at a Glance

BDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
Best 1-Year Rate6.00% p.a. ✓6.70% p.a.
5-Year Fixed OptionNot published6.50% p.a. ✓
Minimum Income50,00040,000 ✓
Approval Speed30 days ✓52 days
Employment FlexibilityExcellentExcellent
Loan Purpose CoverageComprehensiveComprehensive
Apply via Nook (Free)Yes ✓Yes ✓

Interest rates are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a lower interest rate in 2026 — BDO or BPI?

For a 1-year fixed period, BDO currently offers the lower rate at 6.00% p.a., compared to BPI's 6.70% p.a. However, BPI offers a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a., which BDO does not publicly advertise. If you want longer rate stability, BPI's 5-year fix may be the better value. Rates are subject to change — verify current rates through Nook or directly with the banks before applying.

Which bank approves housing loans faster — BDO or BPI?

BDO has a significantly faster typical approval time of 30 days, compared to BPI's 52 days. If you're working against a property deadline or want to start saving sooner through refinancing, BDO's processing speed is a notable advantage. Applying with complete documents through Nook can help minimise delays at either 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's minimum is 40,000. If your monthly income falls between those two figures, BPI may be your only option among these two banks. Both banks accept a wide range of employment types including private employees, government workers, OFWs, self-employed individuals, and professionals.

Can I use BDO or BPI to refinance my existing home loan?

Yes — both BDO and BPI offer home loan refinancing. If you're currently paying 7% or higher, refinancing to BDO at 6.00% or BPI at 6.50% (5-year fix) could save you a significant amount each month. Nook can help you compare both options and handle the application process for free. Most Nook clients who refinance save between 5,000 and 20,000 per month depending on their loan balance.

Is it possible to apply to both BDO and BPI at the same time?

Yes. Through Nook, you can submit applications to multiple partner banks simultaneously. This lets you compare actual approval offers — not just advertised rates — before committing. Nook's service is completely free to borrowers, so there's no cost to exploring both options at once.

What loan purposes do BDO and BPI cover?

Both banks cover the same broad set of purposes: purchase of RFO and pre-selling properties, new construction, renovation, reselling, foreclosed properties, home equity or cash-out loans, and refinancing. Neither bank is more restrictive than the other on loan purpose, so your choice between them should be driven by rate, income eligibility, and approval speed.

How much can I save by refinancing to BDO or BPI from a higher-rate loan?

The savings depend on your outstanding balance and current rate. As an example, on a remaining balance of 4,000,000 at 8.50% p.a., switching to BDO at 6.00% could save approximately 8,330 per month — or nearly 100,000 per year. Even refinancing to BPI at 6.70% from 8.50% would save around 5,900 per month on the same balance. Use Nook's free refinancing calculator or speak to a Nook advisor to get a personalised estimate.

Does Nook charge a fee to help me apply for a BDO or BPI housing loan?

No. Nook's mortgage broker service is 100% free to borrowers. Nook is compensated by the banks, not by you. You get access to a licensed advisor, help with document preparation, and rate comparisons across multiple lenders — all at no cost to you.