⚖️ 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 housing loan providers — but their rates, requirements, and approval timelines differ in ways that could cost or save you thousands. Here's everything you need to know before you decide.

Our Verdict

BDO wins on rate and speed — but BPI offers more flexibility for some borrowers

BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. edges out BPI's 6.70% p.a., and its typical 30-day approval is nearly twice as fast as BPI's 52 days. However, BPI's lower minimum income requirement (40,000/month vs. BDO's 50,000/month) makes it more accessible to a wider range of borrowers. For most refinancing homeowners, BDO's rate advantage translates to meaningful monthly savings — but applying through Nook lets you compare both banks for free and find the best fit for your specific situation.

BDO vs BPI Housing Loan: Rate Comparison 2026

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. Below is a direct comparison of their current housing loan rates and key terms.

FeatureBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings Bank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a.6.70% p.a.
5-Year Fixed RateNot listed6.50% p.a.
Home Equity Rate6.00% p.a.6.70% p.a.
Min. Monthly Income50,00040,000
Max Debt-to-Income40%40%
Typical Approval Time~30 days~52 days

Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with the bank or through your Nook advisor before making a decision.

How Much Can You Save? A Real Numbers Comparison

To make this concrete, let's look at a borrower refinancing a 3,000,000 peso home loan over 20 years at both banks' current 1-year fixed rates versus a typical existing rate of 8.50% p.a.

ScenarioRateEst. Monthly PaymentTotal Interest (20 yrs)
Current loan (typical)8.50% p.a.26,0353,248,400
Refinance with BDO6.00% p.a.21,4922,158,080
Refinance with BPI6.70% p.a.22,6142,427,360

At a 3,000,000 peso loan balance, refinancing with BDO saves approximately 4,543 per month compared to an 8.50% rate — and about 1,122 per month more than refinancing with BPI. Over a full 20-year term, that difference between BDO and BPI adds up to roughly 269,280 pesos.

If you're carrying a larger balance, the gap widens further. For a deeper dive into refinancing math, see our guide on the BDO vs BPI vs Metrobank refinance rates comparison to see how a third major bank stacks up.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use Each Loan For?

Both banks support a broad range of housing loan purposes, making them versatile choices for homeowners and buyers alike.

Loan PurposeBDOBPI
Refinancing
Home Equity / Cash-Out
Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
Pre-Selling
New Construction
Renovation
Reselling
Foreclosed Properties

Both banks cover all major loan purposes, so your choice here will likely come down to rate, income qualification, and how quickly you need approval.

Who Qualifies? Employment Types Accepted

Both BDO and BPI accept a wide range of borrower profiles, making them suitable for most Filipino homeowners whether locally employed or based abroad.

Employment TypeBDOBPI
Private Employee
Government Employee
BPO / Call Center
OFW / Seafarer
Self-Employed
Professional

For OFWs and seafarers in particular, both banks have established processes for handling overseas income documentation. Your Nook advisor can guide you on which bank tends to process OFW applications more smoothly based on your specific situation.

Approval Speed: Why 30 Days vs. 52 Days Matters

BDO's typical approval timeline of around 30 days is a significant advantage over BPI's approximately 52-day timeline — especially if you're refinancing to escape a rate repricing or working against a property purchase deadline.

A faster approval also means:

That said, actual timelines depend on how quickly you submit complete documents and how your specific case is assessed. Nook helps you prepare a complete application package to avoid delays at either bank.

BDO vs BPI for Refinancing Specifically

If your goal is to refinance an existing home loan, both banks are strong options — but BDO's combination of a lower rate (6.00% vs. 6.70%) and faster processing gives it a clear edge for most refinancing borrowers.

Here's the key refinancing question: how much equity do you have in your property, and what is your current outstanding loan balance? Both banks use the same 40% maximum debt-to-income ratio, so your monthly obligations relative to your income will determine your maximum loan amount at both institutions.

For borrowers who are close to the income threshold, BPI's lower minimum monthly income requirement of 40,000 (versus BDO's 50,000) could be the deciding factor. If your household income is between 40,000 and 50,000 per month, BPI may be your only option between these two banks.

For a side-by-side look specifically focused on refinancing scenarios, our BDO vs BPI home loan refinance rates comparison goes deeper into refi-specific considerations.

Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Directly?

Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and our service is completely free to borrowers. When you apply through Nook, you get:

The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — even lower than either BDO or BPI's advertised rates. Submit your details and a Nook advisor will find the best available rate for your specific situation.

Not sure which bank suits you?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a lower interest rate — BDO or BPI housing loan?

BDO currently offers a lower 1-year fixed rate at 6.00% p.a., compared to BPI's 6.70% p.a. For a 5-year fixed rate, BPI offers 6.50% p.a. — a useful option if you want longer rate certainty. BDO's home equity rate is also 6.00% p.a., while BPI's is 6.70% p.a. Rates are subject to change, so always verify the latest figures before applying.

What is the minimum income requirement for BDO and BPI housing loans?

BDO requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000, while BPI's minimum is 40,000 per month. If your household income falls between 40,000 and 50,000 per month, BPI is likely the better fit between these two banks. Both banks accept combined spousal income to meet these thresholds.

How long does BDO vs BPI take to approve a housing loan?

BDO typically approves housing loans in around 30 days, while BPI takes approximately 52 days. BDO's faster timeline is a meaningful advantage if you're refinancing ahead of a rate repricing or working against a purchase deadline. Actual timelines depend on the completeness of your documents and your individual application.

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

Yes — both BDO and BPI accept OFW and seafarer applicants. You'll typically need to provide proof of remittance, employment contracts, and a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for a co-borrower or representative in the Philippines. Nook's advisors are experienced in handling OFW applications and can guide you through the documentation process for either bank.

Can I refinance my existing home loan with BDO or BPI?

Yes, both BDO and BPI accept refinancing as a loan purpose. Refinancing is one of the most common reasons Filipino homeowners apply through Nook — especially those currently paying rates between 7% and 10% who want to lock in a lower rate. BDO's 6.00% refinance rate currently edges out BPI's 6.70%, though the best deal depends on your specific loan balance, property value, and income profile.

Is there a way to get a housing loan rate lower than both BDO and BPI?

Yes. The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — lower than both BDO's 6.00% and BPI's 6.70%. Nook compares rates across multiple partner banks to find the lowest rate you qualify for. The service is completely free to borrowers — banks pay Nook, not you.

What types of properties can I finance with BDO or BPI?

Both banks support a wide range of property types and loan purposes including ready-for-occupancy (RFO) homes, pre-selling condos and houses, new construction, renovation, resale properties, and foreclosed assets. Both also offer home equity loans if you want to borrow against your existing property's value.

Should I apply to BDO and BPI at the same time?

Applying to multiple banks simultaneously is generally not recommended as it can raise flags during credit checks. Instead, use a free broker service like Nook — Nook evaluates your profile and identifies which bank is most likely to approve you at the best rate, so you submit one strong application rather than multiple speculative ones.