BDO vs Metrobank Home Loan: At a Glance
Choosing between BDO and Metrobank for your home loan — or refinance — isn't just about who has the lower headline rate. You also need to consider how easy it is to qualify, how fast approval moves, and how transparent the bank is about what you'll actually pay. Here's how both banks stack up on the factors that matter most.
| Feature | BDO Unibank | Metrobank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. (verified via Nook) | Approx. 7.00%–9.00% p.a. (indicative; subject to change) |
| Minimum Monthly Income | ₱50,000 | Typically ₱40,000–₱50,000 (varies by product) |
| Typical Approval Time | 30 days | Typically 3–6 weeks |
| Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | Generally up to 40% (varies) |
| Loan Purposes Covered | Purchase (RFO, Pre-Selling, Foreclosed, New Construction, Reselling), Renovation, Home Equity, Refinancing | Purchase, Refinancing, Home Equity (product availability varies) |
| Employment Types Accepted | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional | Employed, Self-Employed, OFW (varies by product) |
| Available via Nook (Free Broker) | ✅ Yes — Nook partner bank | ❌ Not a current Nook partner |
| Rate Verification | ✅ Verified, real-time rates | ⚠️ Approximate; confirm directly with bank |
⚠️ Metrobank rates shown are approximate, based on publicly available information, and subject to change without notice. Always verify directly with Metrobank for current promotional rates. BDO rates are verified through Nook's partner bank network.
Interest Rate Comparison: What the Numbers Actually Mean
A difference of even 1–2 percentage points on a home loan doesn't sound dramatic — until you calculate what it costs over 20 years. Let's look at a real example using a ₱3,000,000 home loan over 20 years.
Sample Computation: ₱3,000,000 Loan | 20-Year Term
At an indicative 2% rate difference, you could pay approximately ₱864,300 more in interest over the life of a ₱3,000,000 loan. These are illustrative estimates only. Actual rates and payments depend on your credit profile, loan term, and bank approval. Always request a formal loan offer before making a decision.
If you're currently paying a rate above 7% — whether with Metrobank, BDO, or any other bank — it's worth checking if you qualify for a lower rate through refinancing. See how BDO and Metrobank refinance rates compare in detail to understand your options.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
Both BDO and Metrobank cater to a wide range of borrowers, but their specific criteria differ. Here's what you generally need to qualify.
BDO Home Loan Eligibility
- Minimum monthly income: ₱50,000
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 40%
- Employment types: Private sector employees, government employees, BPO workers, OFWs and seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals
- Loan purposes: Purchase (RFO, pre-selling, new construction, foreclosed, reselling), renovation, home equity, and refinancing
- Citizenship: Filipino citizens and select foreign nationals (via specific products)
Metrobank Home Loan Eligibility (General Guidelines)
- Minimum monthly income: Typically ₱40,000–₱50,000 depending on product and loan amount
- Employment types: Locally employed, self-employed, OFWs
- Loan purposes: Purchase, refinancing, home equity (product availability subject to change)
- Note: Specific eligibility criteria and required documentation should be confirmed directly with Metrobank, as these may vary by branch and product.
⚠️ Eligibility requirements for Metrobank are based on general publicly available information and may not reflect the latest policies. Contact Metrobank directly to confirm current requirements.
Lock-In Periods and Repricing: What Happens After Year 1?
Filipino home loans typically have a fixed-rate period (called the lock-in period) of 1, 3, 5, or 10 years, after which your rate is repriced based on prevailing market rates. Understanding this cycle is critical — a low teaser rate that reprices steeply in Year 2 can quickly erase your savings.
BDO Lock-In Period
BDO's verified 1-year fixed rate through Nook is 6.00% p.a. BDO also typically offers multi-year fixed options (3-year, 5-year, 10-year), which reprice at the bank's prevailing rates upon expiry. Borrowers should request a full repricing schedule before signing.
Metrobank Lock-In Period
Metrobank generally offers similar fixed-rate period options. However, since Metrobank is not a Nook partner bank, rate structures should be confirmed directly with the bank. Be sure to ask for the repricing rate — not just the initial teaser rate — when comparing offers.
Pro tip: When comparing home loan offers, always ask both banks: "What is my rate after the fixed period ends?" This single question can reveal thousands of pesos in potential future costs that headline rates won't show you.
Refinancing: Can You Switch from Metrobank to BDO (or Vice Versa)?
Yes — and this is one of the most powerful financial moves a Filipino homeowner can make. If you're currently paying a Metrobank home loan at 8%, 9%, or higher, you may be able to refinance to BDO at 6.00% p.a. through Nook and reduce your monthly payment significantly.
Refinancing essentially means taking out a new loan at a lower rate to pay off your existing one. The key considerations are:
- Remaining balance: Refinancing is typically most beneficial if you have at least ₱1,500,000 remaining on your loan
- Remaining term: The earlier in your loan term you refinance, the more interest you save
- Prepayment penalties: Check if your current bank charges a fee for early settlement — some banks waive this if you've held the loan for a certain period
- Processing fees: These are typically absorbed into the new loan or offset by interest savings within 1–2 years
Nook handles the entire refinancing process for free. You won't pay any broker fees — Nook earns from the bank, not from you. Explore BDO vs Metrobank home loan refinance rates to see if switching could lower your monthly payments.
Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Directly?
Whether you choose BDO or Metrobank, applying through Nook gives you advantages that going direct to a bank branch simply can't match:
- Free service: Nook charges borrowers nothing. Zero broker fees.
- Verified rates: BDO rates through Nook are confirmed and up-to-date — no surprises
- Multiple options: Nook compares partner banks to help you find the best rate for your profile
- Faster processing: Nook's dedicated bank relationships often speed up document review and approval
- Expert guidance: Nook's mortgage specialists help you prepare documents, understand lock-in terms, and avoid common mistakes that cause loan rejections
For a deeper dive into how these two banks perform specifically on refinancing and loan takeout scenarios, see our BDO vs Metrobank housing loan takeout rates comparison.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current interest rate for BDO home loans?
BDO's verified 1-year fixed home loan rate through Nook is 6.00% p.a. This is a confirmed rate available to qualified borrowers who apply through Nook's free broker service. Multi-year fixed options are also available — contact Nook for the latest full rate sheet. Note that rates are subject to change and your final rate will depend on your credit profile and loan details.
What is the current interest rate for Metrobank home loans?
Metrobank's home loan rates are not available through Nook, so we cannot provide verified current figures. Based on publicly available information, Metrobank's home loan rates generally fall in the 7%–9% range depending on the fixed-rate period, loan amount, and borrower profile. You should contact Metrobank directly or visit a branch to get a formal rate quote, as rates are subject to change without notice.
Which bank has easier home loan approval — BDO or Metrobank?
Both banks have broadly similar eligibility criteria. BDO requires a minimum monthly income of ₱50,000 and accepts a wide range of employment types including private sector, government, BPO, OFW, self-employed, and professionals. BDO also has a typical approval timeline of 30 days when applying through Nook. Metrobank's income thresholds are similar, but specific requirements vary by product and branch. Applying through Nook for BDO gives you the added advantage of a streamlined, guided process that reduces the risk of document errors that cause delays or rejections.
Can I refinance my Metrobank home loan to BDO?
Yes, and many Filipino homeowners are doing exactly this to take advantage of lower rates. If your existing Metrobank home loan rate is above 7%, refinancing to BDO at 6.00% p.a. through Nook could reduce your monthly payment and save you hundreds of thousands of pesos over your remaining loan term. Nook handles the entire refinancing process for free — no broker fees. You'll want to check if Metrobank charges a prepayment penalty before proceeding.
How much can I borrow with a BDO home loan?
BDO home loans are available for a wide range of loan amounts, commonly starting from around ₱1,500,000. The maximum loanable amount depends on the appraised value of the property (typically up to 80% for purchase loans), your income, and your total debt-to-income ratio, which BDO caps at 40%. Nook can help you estimate how much you qualify for based on your income and the property you're financing.
What documents do I need to apply for a home loan through Nook?
Standard requirements for a BDO home loan through Nook typically include: a valid government-issued ID, proof of income (latest payslips, ITR, or BIR Form 2316 for employed applicants; audited financial statements for self-employed), bank statements for the past 3–6 months, proof of billing, and property documents (title, tax declaration, floor plan). OFWs typically need additional documentation such as their employment contract and proof of remittance. Nook will guide you through the exact checklist based on your employment type and loan purpose.
Is Nook's service really free for borrowers?
Yes, completely free. Nook is a mortgage broker that earns a fee from the bank — not from you. You won't pay any broker charges, application fees, or hidden costs for using Nook's service. You get access to verified partner bank rates, expert guidance, and a streamlined application process at zero cost.
What happens to my BDO home loan rate after the fixed period ends?
After your fixed-rate period (e.g., 1 year at 6.00%), your BDO home loan rate will be repriced based on BDO's prevailing rates at that time. This is standard practice across all Philippine banks. It's important to ask for BDO's repricing schedule before you commit to a loan so you can plan for potential rate increases. Nook's mortgage specialists can walk you through what typical repricing scenarios look like and help you choose a fixed-rate term that fits your financial plan.