BDO vs CIMB: Home Loan Overview
When Filipino homeowners search for the best home loan rates, BDO Unibank and CIMB are two names that often come up — but for very different reasons. BDO is one of the Philippines' largest and most established banks with a full suite of home loan and refinancing products. CIMB Philippines, on the other hand, entered the local market as a digital bank and has built a reputation primarily around savings accounts and personal loans. As of the time of writing, CIMB Philippines does not offer a home loan or mortgage refinancing product. This is a critical distinction for any borrower doing a side-by-side comparison.
If you found this page because you are a CIMB customer hoping to refinance through them, the good news is that Nook can help you refinance your existing home loan — regardless of your current lender — through verified partner banks like BDO. Nook's service is completely free to borrowers.
BDO Home Loan Rates and Terms
| Feature | BDO | CIMB |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. | Not available |
| Home Equity Rate | 6.00% p.a. | Not available |
| Loan Purpose: Refinancing | Yes | No |
| Loan Purpose: RFO / Reselling | Yes | No |
| Loan Purpose: Renovation | Yes | No |
| Minimum Monthly Income | 50,000 | N/A |
| Max Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | N/A |
| Typical Approval Time | 30 days | N/A |
| Employment Types Accepted | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional | N/A |
Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.
How Much Could You Save by Refinancing with BDO Through Nook?
If you are currently paying a rate of 8.00% or higher on your home loan, refinancing to BDO's 6.00% p.a. fixed rate through Nook could result in meaningful monthly savings. Here is a quick illustration for a 3,000,000 peso loan with a 20-year remaining term:
| Scenario | Rate | Estimated Monthly Payment | Total Interest Over 20 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Loan (example) | 8.00% p.a. | 25,093 | 3,022,320 |
| Refinanced with BDO via Nook | 6.00% p.a. | 21,491 | 2,157,840 |
| Estimated Savings | — | 3,602/month | 864,480 over 20 years |
These figures are illustrative and based on a standard amortizing loan. Actual savings will depend on your outstanding balance, remaining term, applicable fees, and the rate offered by BDO at the time of your application. Nook will help you calculate your exact potential savings for free.
Who Is BDO Best For?
BDO's home loan product through Nook is an excellent fit for a wide range of Filipino borrowers. Because BDO accepts applications from private employees, government workers, BPO professionals, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals, it is one of the most accessible refinancing options in the market. The 40% maximum debt-to-income ratio is also generous enough to accommodate borrowers with existing financial commitments.
If you are an OFW looking to refinance a property back home, BDO is one of the few major banks with a structured process for overseas borrowers. You can also compare how BDO stacks up against other lenders — for example, see our BDO vs Security Bank home loan comparison or our BDO vs Landbank comparison to understand how different banks approach refinancing.
Can You Refinance Away From CIMB?
While CIMB Philippines does not currently offer home loans, if you have a home loan with another bank and are simply exploring your options, Nook can help you refinance regardless of your current lender. The process is straightforward: you submit your details once through Nook, and Nook matches you with the best-fit partner banks — including BDO — based on your loan size, income profile, and goals. There are no broker fees, no hidden charges, and no obligation to proceed.
About BDO Unibank
BDO Unibank is the largest bank in the Philippines by assets and one of the most trusted names in home lending. With decades of experience in mortgage financing, BDO offers a range of home loan products covering new construction, pre-selling, ready-for-occupancy units, resale properties, foreclosed assets, renovation financing, and refinancing. BDO is a verified Nook partner bank, which means borrowers who apply through Nook benefit from streamlined processing, dedicated support, and a completely free broker service.
About CIMB Philippines
CIMB Philippines is a digital bank that launched in the country in 2019. It quickly gained popularity for its high-yield savings accounts and accessible personal loan products. However, as of this writing, CIMB does not offer a home loan or mortgage product in the Philippines. If CIMB expands into home lending in the future, we will update this comparison accordingly. In the meantime, borrowers looking for a competitive refinance rate are best served by exploring Nook's partner bank network.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Does CIMB offer home loans in the Philippines?
As of the time of writing, CIMB Philippines does not offer a home loan or mortgage refinancing product. CIMB is primarily known for its digital savings accounts and personal loan offerings in the local market. If this changes, we will update this page. In the meantime, Nook can connect you with partner banks like BDO that do offer competitive home loan and refinancing rates.
What is BDO's current home loan interest rate?
BDO currently offers a 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. for home loans and refinancing through Nook. This is among the most competitive rates available in the Philippine market. Note that interest rates are subject to change, so always verify the current rate before applying.
Can I refinance my existing home loan through Nook?
Yes. Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker and specializes in helping homeowners refinance their existing home loans to lower rates. The service is 100% free to borrowers. You simply submit your details once and Nook matches you with the best-fit partner banks, including BDO, based on your profile.
What are the requirements to refinance with BDO through Nook?
To qualify for a BDO home loan refinance through Nook, you generally need a minimum monthly income of 50,000 pesos and a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 40%. BDO accepts borrowers who are private employees, government workers, BPO staff, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals. Nook will help you assess your eligibility for free before you apply.
How long does BDO take to approve a home loan refinance?
BDO typically takes around 30 days to process and approve a home loan refinancing application. This is a standard timeline for Philippine banks. Applying through Nook can help streamline the process since Nook's team guides you through document preparation and coordinates directly with the bank on your behalf.
How much can I save by refinancing to a 6.00% rate?
The savings depend on your current rate, outstanding loan balance, and remaining term. As an illustration, a borrower with a 3,000,000 peso loan at 8.00% over 20 years pays approximately 25,093 pesos per month. Refinancing to 6.00% reduces this to approximately 21,491 pesos per month — a saving of about 3,602 pesos monthly, or over 864,000 pesos over the life of the loan. Use Nook's free refinance calculator to get an estimate based on your actual figures.
Is Nook's mortgage brokering service really free?
Yes, Nook's service is completely free to borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from partner banks when a loan is successfully placed, which means there is no cost to you at any stage of the process — from initial consultation through to loan approval.