⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs BPI

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

BDO, BPI, and Security Bank are three of the Philippines' top home loan lenders — but their rates, approval timelines, and requirements differ significantly. Here's exactly how they stack up so you can choose the right bank for your refinance or home purchase in 2026.

Our Verdict

BDO offers the lowest 1-year fixed rate, Security Bank approves fastest, and BPI suits lower-income borrowers — the best choice depends on your priority.

If minimizing your interest rate is the top priority, BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. is the most competitive of the three. Security Bank wins on speed with a typical approval time of just 23 days, making it ideal if you need to move quickly. BPI's lower minimum income requirement of P40,000/month makes it the most accessible option for borrowers who may not qualify at the other two banks.

BDO vs BPI vs Security Bank Home Loan: 2026 Rate Comparison

Choosing between BDO, BPI, and Security Bank for your home loan — whether for a new purchase or refinancing — comes down to more than just the headline interest rate. Below, we break down every key dimension so you can make a fully informed decision. Note that interest rates are subject to change; always verify current rates directly with the bank or through Nook before proceeding.

FeatureBDO UnibankBPI Family Savings BankSecurity Bank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00%6.70%6.99%
3-Year Fixed RateN/AN/A7.25%
5-Year Fixed RateN/A6.50%7.75%
Home Equity Rate6.00%6.70%7.50%
Min. Monthly IncomeP50,000P40,000P50,000
Max DTI Ratio40%40%40%
Typical Approval Time30 days52 days23 days
Nook Partner Bank✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes

Rates shown are indicative as of 2026 and subject to change. Verify current rates with Nook or the bank directly.

Interest Rate Deep Dive: Which Bank Is Cheapest?

Interest rate is the single biggest driver of your monthly amortization and total loan cost over time. Here's how the three banks compare across different fixed-rate periods.

1-Year Fixed Period

BDO leads with the lowest 1-year fixed rate at 6.00% p.a., followed by BPI at 6.70% and Security Bank at 6.99%. For a borrower refinancing a P4,000,000 loan over 20 years, the difference between BDO's 6.00% and Security Bank's 6.99% translates to roughly P2,200 less per month — a saving of over P26,000 in the first year alone.

5-Year Fixed Period

If you want rate certainty for longer, BPI offers the most competitive 5-year fixed rate at 6.50% p.a., which is significantly lower than Security Bank's 7.75%. BDO does not publicly publish a standard 5-year fixed rate, so borrowers seeking longer-term stability will find BPI the strongest performer here.

3-Year Fixed Period

Only Security Bank among the three publicly offers a 3-year fixed option, at 7.25% p.a. BDO and BPI borrowers who want a middle-ground repricing period should inquire directly, as terms can sometimes be negotiated.

Home Equity Loans

For homeowners looking to unlock the equity in their existing property, BDO again offers the lowest rate at 6.00% p.a. Security Bank's home equity rate of 7.50% is the highest of the three. For a deeper rate-by-rate breakdown, see our full housing loan rate comparison for BPI, BDO, and Security Bank.

Real Monthly Payment Comparison: P3,000,000 Loan Over 20 Years

To make the rate differences tangible, here are estimated monthly amortizations for a P3,000,000 home loan with a 20-year term under each bank's 1-year fixed rate. These are illustrative estimates; actual payments depend on your specific loan structure, fees, and terms.

BankRate (1-Yr Fixed)Est. Monthly PaymentEst. Annual Cost
BDO Unibank6.00%~21,491~257,892
BPI Family Savings Bank6.70%~22,572~270,864
Security Bank6.99%~23,021~276,252

Over a full 20-year term at the initial rate, a BDO borrower would pay approximately P18,360 less per year than a Security Bank borrower on the same loan amount. Of course, rates reprice after the fixed period ends, so the long-run comparison depends on future rate movements.

Approval Speed: Which Bank Processes Loans Fastest?

Approval timelines matter enormously — especially in a competitive real estate market where sellers may not wait, or when you need to refinance before your current bank's lock-in period ends.

It's worth noting that approval timelines are estimates and can vary based on document completeness, property appraisal scheduling, and loan complexity. Applying through Nook means a dedicated advisor helps you prepare your documents correctly the first time, which can meaningfully reduce delays at any bank.

Eligibility & Requirements: Who Qualifies?

All three banks share some common eligibility fundamentals — Filipino citizenship (or eligible foreign nationals), a minimum age of 21, and a maximum age at loan maturity of typically 65-70. The key differences lie in income thresholds and employment type flexibility.

Minimum Monthly Income

BPI Family Savings Bank has the lowest minimum monthly income requirement at P40,000, making it more accessible to mid-income borrowers. BDO and Security Bank both require a minimum of P50,000 per month — 25% higher than BPI's threshold.

Employment Types Accepted

All three banks accept a broad range of employment types, including private employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs and seafarers, self-employed individuals, and professionals. Security Bank additionally accepts freelancers, which the other two do not explicitly list — a meaningful advantage for the growing gig economy workforce in the Philippines.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

All three banks cap the maximum Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio at 40%, meaning your total monthly debt obligations — including the new home loan — must not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income.

Loan Purposes Supported

All three banks support the most common home loan purposes: refinancing, home equity, new construction, pre-selling, ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units, renovation, reselling, and foreclosed properties. There are no significant gaps between them on this dimension.

How Much Can You Save by Refinancing?

Most Filipino homeowners are currently paying between 7% and 10% interest on their existing home loans. If you're in that range, refinancing through Nook to BDO's 6.00% rate could result in significant savings.

Consider a homeowner with a P5,000,000 outstanding balance, 15 years remaining, currently paying 8.50% interest:

Nook's service is 100% free to the borrower — Nook is paid by the bank, not you. That means you keep every peso of those savings. For a broader look at how these banks compare against other major Philippine lenders, see our complete home loan bank comparison for 2026.

Fees & Other Costs to Consider

The interest rate is the dominant cost driver, but home loans also come with one-time and recurring fees that affect the true cost of borrowing. Common fees across Philippine banks include:

Nook advisors walk you through all applicable fees before you commit to any bank, so there are no surprises.

Which Bank Is Best for Refinancing Specifically?

For homeowners looking to refinance, the calculus is slightly different from a new purchase. You want the lowest possible rate to reduce your monthly burden, and ideally a bank with a short lock-in period so you retain flexibility.

Nook works with all three banks and can submit your refinance application to multiple lenders simultaneously — so you can compare actual offers before deciding. There's no obligation and no cost to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which bank has the lowest home loan interest rate in 2026 — BDO, BPI, or Security Bank?

For the 1-year fixed period, BDO has the lowest rate at 6.00% p.a., followed by BPI at 6.70% and Security Bank at 6.99%. However, if you want a longer fixed period, BPI offers a competitive 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. — lower than Security Bank's 5-year rate of 7.75%. Always verify current rates as they are subject to change.

Which bank approves home loans fastest among BDO, BPI, and Security Bank?

Security Bank has the fastest typical approval time at approximately 23 days. BDO typically takes around 30 days, while BPI Family Savings Bank takes the longest at approximately 52 days. These are estimates and can vary based on document completeness and other factors.

What is the minimum income requirement for a home loan at each of these banks?

BPI Family Savings Bank has the lowest minimum monthly income requirement at P40,000. Both BDO and Security Bank require a minimum monthly income of P50,000. If your income is between P40,000 and P49,999 per month, BPI may be your most accessible option among the three.

Can I apply to BDO, BPI, and Security Bank at the same time?

Yes — and this is actually one of the smartest strategies for home loan borrowers. Applying to multiple banks lets you compare actual approved offers, not just advertised rates. Nook can submit your application to multiple partner banks simultaneously at no cost to you, helping you secure the best available deal without the hassle of dealing with each bank separately.

Do BDO, BPI, and Security Bank accept OFW and self-employed borrowers?

Yes, all three banks accept OFWs, seafarers, and self-employed individuals. Security Bank additionally lists freelancers as an accepted employment type. If you are a freelancer or have non-traditional income documentation, Security Bank may offer more flexibility.

How much can I save by refinancing to BDO, BPI, or Security Bank from my current bank?

Savings depend on your current rate, outstanding balance, and remaining term. As a general example, a homeowner with a P4,000,000 outstanding balance paying 8.50% could save approximately P5,000–P7,000 per month by refinancing to BDO's 6.00% rate — that's P60,000–P84,000 per year. Use Nook's free refinance calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your actual loan details.

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

Yes, completely free. Nook is a licensed mortgage broker that is compensated by the banks, not the borrower. You pay nothing for Nook's service — not for advice, not for document preparation support, not for submitting your application. You simply benefit from expert guidance and access to multiple banks in one place.

What loan purposes do BDO, BPI, and Security Bank home loans cover?

All three banks support a wide range of loan purposes including home purchase (new construction, pre-selling, RFO, reselling), home equity, renovation, foreclosed property acquisition, and refinancing of an existing home loan. There are no major gaps between the three banks on eligible loan purposes.

Which bank should I choose for a 5-year fixed rate home loan?

BPI Family Savings Bank offers the most competitive 5-year fixed rate at 6.50% p.a. among the three. Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate is 7.75% p.a. BDO does not publicly advertise a standard 5-year fixed rate. If rate certainty over five years is important to you, BPI is the clear winner in this comparison.