⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs Metrobank

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

BDO and Metrobank are two of the Philippines' biggest home loan lenders — but their rates, fees, and approval timelines can differ significantly. Here's a data-driven comparison to help you decide which bank is right for your refinance or new home loan.

Our Verdict

BDO Edges Out Metrobank on Rate Certainty and Nook Access

BDO's verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. is competitive and confirmed through Nook's free broker service, giving borrowers a transparent, hassle-free application process. Metrobank's rates are generally in a similar range but are not verified through Nook, meaning you'll need to negotiate directly without broker support. For most Filipino homeowners looking to refinance, applying through Nook with BDO offers the clearest path to savings with zero broker fees.

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.

FeatureBDO UnibankMetrobank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a. (verified)Approx. 7.00%–8.50% p.a.*
Minimum Monthly Income50,000Approx. 40,000–50,000*
Typical Approval Time30 daysApprox. 30–45 days*
Maximum DTI Ratio40%Approx. 40%*
Available via Nook✅ Yes (free broker service)❌ No
Loan PurposesRefinancing, RFO, Pre-Selling, New Construction, Renovation, Home Equity, Reselling, ForeclosedRefinancing, Purchase, Construction, Renovation*
Employment TypesPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, ProfessionalPrivate, 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:

ScenarioInterest RateEstimated Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid (20 yrs)
BDO via Nook (1-yr fixed)6.00% p.a.approx. 25,085approx. 2,520,400
Metrobank (est. rate)7.50% p.a.approx. 28,165approx. 3,259,600
Typical existing loan (9%)9.00% p.a.approx. 31,495approx. 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.

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.

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:

Which Borrowers Might Consider Metrobank?

Metrobank may be worth exploring if you:

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:

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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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.