BDO vs Metrobank Home Loan: Side-by-Side Overview
Choosing between BDO and Metrobank for your home loan or refinance is a common dilemma for Filipino borrowers. Both are Tier-1 universal banks with nationwide branch networks, but there are meaningful differences in rate transparency, eligibility requirements, and how you can access their products. Below, we break down everything you need to know.
| Feature | BDO Unibank | Metrobank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. (verified) | Approx. 7.00%–8.50% p.a.* |
| Minimum Monthly Income | 50,000 | Approx. 40,000–50,000* |
| Typical Approval Time | 30 days | Approx. 30–45 days* |
| Maximum DTI Ratio | 40% | Approx. 40%* |
| Available via Nook | ✅ Yes (free broker service) | ❌ No |
| Loan Purposes | Refinancing, RFO, Pre-Selling, New Construction, Renovation, Home Equity, Reselling, Foreclosed | Refinancing, Purchase, Construction, Renovation* |
| Employment Types | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional | Private, Self-Employed, OFW* |
* Metrobank rates and details are approximate, based on publicly available information, and subject to change. Always verify directly with Metrobank for the most current figures. BDO rates are verified Nook partner rates as of the latest update.
Rate Comparison: What Does the Difference Really Cost You?
Even a 1–2 percentage point difference in your home loan rate adds up to hundreds of thousands of pesos over the life of a loan. Let's put that in real numbers.
Assume a home loan of 3,500,000 over a 20-year term:
| Scenario | Interest Rate | Estimated Monthly Payment | Total Interest Paid (20 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDO via Nook (1-yr fixed) | 6.00% p.a. | approx. 25,085 | approx. 2,520,400 |
| Metrobank (est. rate) | 7.50% p.a. | approx. 28,165 | approx. 3,259,600 |
| Typical existing loan (9%) | 9.00% p.a. | approx. 31,495 | approx. 4,058,800 |
At an estimated Metrobank rate of 7.50%, you'd pay roughly 739,200 more in interest over 20 years compared to BDO's verified 6.00% rate. If you're currently on a 9% existing loan, refinancing to BDO through Nook could save you over 1,538,400 in total interest. That's money back in your pocket — and Nook's service is completely free to borrowers.
Curious how BDO stacks up against other government-backed lenders? See our full BDO vs Landbank home loan comparison for another popular alternative.
BDO Home Loan: What You Need to Know
BDO Unibank is one of the Philippines' largest banks by assets and a trusted name in home lending. As a verified Nook partner bank, BDO's rates and requirements are confirmed and regularly updated, so you can apply with confidence.
- Rate: 6.00% p.a. for 1-year fixed and Home Equity loans — among the most competitive verified rates available in the market today.
- Income requirement: Minimum monthly income of 50,000, covering a wide range of borrower profiles.
- Eligible employment types: Private employees, government workers, BPO workers, OFWs and seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals.
- Loan purposes: Refinancing, home equity, foreclosed properties, new construction, pre-selling, ready-for-occupancy (RFO), renovation, and reselling.
- Approval timeline: Typically 30 days, making it one of the faster options for a major Philippine bank.
- Maximum DTI: 40%, allowing borrowers with moderate existing obligations to still qualify.
- Nook advantage: Applying through Nook is 100% free. Nook's team prepares your documents, coordinates with BDO, and guides you through the entire process — at no cost to you.
Metrobank Home Loan: What You Need to Know
Metrobank (Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company) is one of the Philippines' top universal banks and a long-established home loan provider. While Metrobank is not currently a Nook partner bank, it remains a significant player in the Philippine mortgage market worth understanding.
- Rate: Metrobank's home loan rates are approximately 7.00%–8.50% p.a. for fixed-rate periods, based on publicly available information. These rates are subject to change and should be verified directly with Metrobank.
- Income requirement: Typically around 40,000–50,000 minimum monthly income, though this varies by product and borrower profile.
- Eligible employment types: Generally covers private employees, self-employed individuals, and OFWs, though specific eligibility rules should be confirmed with the bank.
- Loan purposes: Refinancing, property purchase, construction, and renovation are typically covered.
- Approval timeline: Approximately 30–45 days based on typical industry timelines, though this can vary.
- No broker access via Nook: Metrobank applications must be made directly with the bank, meaning you won't have access to Nook's free guidance, document preparation, or broker support.
Want to see how Metrobank compares to another lender in more detail? Read the First Metro Investment vs Metrobank comparison for additional context on Metrobank's positioning in the market.
Which Borrowers Should Choose BDO?
BDO through Nook is likely the better fit if you:
- Want a verified, competitive rate with no guesswork or negotiation
- Are refinancing an existing home loan and want to reduce your monthly payment
- Prefer a guided, end-to-end application process at zero cost to you
- Are an OFW, BPO worker, or government employee looking for a lender that explicitly accepts your employment type
- Want faster approval — BDO's 30-day timeline is clear and confirmed
- Are exploring multiple loan purposes including home equity or foreclosed property purchases
Which Borrowers Might Consider Metrobank?
Metrobank may be worth exploring if you:
- Already have an existing relationship or accounts with Metrobank that could support your application
- Have received a specific promotional rate offer directly from a Metrobank branch
- Are in a location where Metrobank has a stronger local presence or specialist team
- Want to compare multiple offers side-by-side before committing
Even in these cases, we recommend using Nook to apply to BDO in parallel — since Nook's service is free, there's no cost to getting a verified competing offer.
How Nook Makes the BDO Application Process Easier
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and working with Nook to apply to BDO means you get:
- Verified rates: No surprises. The 6.00% rate is confirmed directly with BDO.
- Free service: Nook charges borrowers nothing. The bank pays Nook's fee if your loan is approved.
- Document preparation assistance: Nook's team helps you compile and check your requirements before submission, reducing delays.
- Single point of contact: Instead of coordinating directly with a bank branch, you work through Nook's platform and team.
- No obligation to proceed: You can get a rate comparison and pre-assessment without committing to an application.
If you're currently paying 7% or more on your home loan, refinancing to BDO's 6.00% rate through Nook could reduce your monthly payment substantially. On a 3,500,000 loan, that's a potential saving of over 3,000 per month — month after month, year after year.
Important Disclaimer
Interest rates are subject to change without notice. BDO rates shown are verified Nook partner rates current at the time of publication. Metrobank rates shown are approximate figures based on publicly available information and may not reflect current promotions or negotiated rates. All borrowers should verify current rates and terms directly with their chosen bank before making financial decisions. Monthly payment estimates are indicative and based on standard amortization calculations; actual payments may vary based on bank fees, insurance, and other charges.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Is BDO or Metrobank better for home loans in the Philippines?
Both are reputable Tier-1 banks, but BDO currently offers a verified rate of 6.00% p.a. through Nook, which is lower than Metrobank's estimated range of 7.00%–8.50%. BDO is also accessible via Nook's free broker service, making the application process more straightforward. If rate certainty and free guidance matter to you, BDO through Nook is the stronger choice for most borrowers.
What is BDO's current home loan interest rate?
BDO's verified home loan rate through Nook is 6.00% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period, as well as for home equity loans. This rate is confirmed directly with BDO and is among the most competitive verified rates available in the Philippine market. Note that rates are subject to change — always check with Nook or BDO for the latest figures.
What is Metrobank's home loan interest rate?
Metrobank's home loan rates are approximately 7.00%–8.50% p.a. based on publicly available information. However, these figures are not verified through Nook and may vary depending on your loan amount, term, borrower profile, and any current promotions. You should contact Metrobank directly or visit a branch for an accurate, personalized quote.
Can I refinance my Metrobank home loan with BDO?
Yes. If you currently have a home loan with Metrobank and want to refinance to a lower rate, BDO accepts refinancing as a loan purpose. Through Nook, you can apply to refinance your Metrobank loan to BDO's 6.00% rate — potentially saving thousands of pesos per month. Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers.
How much can I save by refinancing from Metrobank to BDO?
The savings depend on your loan balance, remaining term, and current rate. As an example, on a 3,500,000 loan over 20 years, switching from an estimated Metrobank rate of 7.50% to BDO's 6.00% could reduce your monthly payment by approximately 3,080 and save over 739,200 in total interest. Use Nook's free refinance calculator or speak with a Nook advisor for a personalized estimate.
Is Nook's mortgage broker service really free?
Yes, Nook's service is completely free to borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank if your home loan application is approved and disbursed. You pay nothing extra — not for advice, document assistance, or application support. The rate you get through Nook is the same as applying directly, or better in some cases due to Nook's negotiated partner rates.
What are the requirements to apply for a BDO home loan through Nook?
To qualify for a BDO home loan through Nook, you generally need a minimum monthly income of 50,000, a debt-to-income ratio within 40%, and valid employment or business documentation. BDO accepts private employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals. Nook's team will help you prepare all required documents as part of the free service.
How long does BDO take to approve a home loan?
BDO's typical approval timeline through Nook is approximately 30 days from complete document submission. This is among the faster timelines for a major Philippine universal bank. Metrobank's approval timeline is estimated at 30–45 days based on publicly available information, though actual times vary by case.