BDO vs Metrobank Home Loan: At a Glance
Both BDO Unibank and Metrobank are among the Philippines' largest and most trusted banks, and both offer home loan products for purchase, construction, and refinancing. However, their rate structures, eligibility criteria, and application experiences differ in meaningful ways. This comparison uses BDO's verified rates from Nook's partner network and Metrobank's publicly available indicative rates — please note that Metrobank rates shown are approximate and subject to change; always verify directly with the bank.
| Feature | BDO (via Nook) | Metrobank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. (verified) | ~7.00%–8.50% p.a. (indicative) |
| Home Equity / Refi Rate | 6.00% p.a. (verified) | ~7.25%–9.00% p.a. (indicative) |
| Min. Monthly Income | 50,000 | ~40,000–50,000 (varies by branch) |
| Typical Approval Time | ~30 days | ~30–45 days |
| Max Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | ~35%–40% (indicative) |
| Loan Purposes Covered | Purchase, Refinancing, Home Equity, Renovation, New Construction, Pre-Selling, RFO, Reselling, Foreclosed | Purchase, Refinancing, Construction, Renovation |
| Employment Types Accepted | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional | Private, Government, Self-Employed (OFW varies) |
| Free Broker Service via Nook | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not available |
Rates are as of 2026. BDO rates are verified Nook partner rates. Metrobank rates are approximate, based on publicly available information, and subject to change without notice.
Interest Rate Comparison: What You'd Actually Pay
Let's make this concrete. Using a sample loan of 3,000,000 over a 20-year term, here's how the monthly payment and total interest differ between a 6.00% rate (BDO via Nook) and a 7.50% rate (Metrobank indicative mid-range):
| Scenario | BDO @ 6.00% p.a. | Metrobank @ 7.50% p.a. (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Loan Term | 20 years | 20 years |
| Est. Monthly Payment | ~21,491 | ~24,169 |
| Total Interest Paid | ~2,157,840 | ~2,800,560 |
| Difference Over Loan Life | — | ~642,720 more |
That's over 642,000 pesos in additional interest over the life of the loan — purely from a 1.5 percentage point rate difference. Even a 1% gap translates to roughly 428,000 pesos in extra costs on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years. This is why comparing rates — and locking in the lowest verified rate — matters so much.
If you're currently paying above 7% on an existing home loan, you may want to explore BDO vs Metrobank refinance rates to see how much you could save by switching.
Eligibility Requirements Compared
Both banks have broadly similar eligibility criteria, but there are nuances worth knowing before you apply.
BDO (via Nook)
- Minimum monthly income: 50,000
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 40%
- Employment types: Private employed, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
- Age requirement: Typically 21–65 years old at loan maturity
- Credit history: Good standing required; no major derogatory records
Metrobank (Indicative)
- Minimum monthly income: Approximately 40,000–50,000 (varies by branch and loan amount)
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: Approximately 35%–40%
- Employment types: Private employed, Government, Self-Employed (OFW eligibility varies by program)
- Age requirement: Typically 21–65 years old at loan maturity
- Credit history: Good standing required
Note: Metrobank requirements are indicative and may vary. Always confirm current criteria directly with Metrobank or a branch officer.
BDO's broader acceptance of employment types — particularly BPO workers, OFWs, and seafarers — gives it a meaningful advantage for borrowers outside traditional private employment. If you fall into one of these categories, BDO via Nook is likely your more accessible path.
Loan Purposes: Which Bank Covers More Use Cases?
BDO's home loan program (accessible via Nook) covers a wider range of property types and loan purposes than most banks publicly advertise:
- ✅ Ready for Occupancy (RFO) properties
- ✅ Pre-selling condominium units
- ✅ House and lot purchase (reselling)
- ✅ New construction
- ✅ Foreclosed properties
- ✅ Renovation loans
- ✅ Refinancing from another bank
- ✅ Home equity loans
Metrobank also covers the major categories — purchase, refinancing, construction, and renovation — but its publicly listed eligible property types are more limited. Pre-selling units and foreclosed properties may require additional scrutiny or may not be eligible under standard programs.
If your loan purpose is anything beyond a straightforward RFO purchase, BDO's flexibility is a clear advantage.
Application Process: BDO via Nook vs Applying to Metrobank Directly
One of the biggest practical differences between these two options isn't on the rate sheet — it's the application experience.
Applying to Metrobank Directly
You'll need to visit a branch, gather your documents independently, submit an application, and then wait for processing — typically 30 to 45 days. You're working with one bank's rates, one set of criteria, and limited visibility into whether you're getting the best deal available. If your application is declined or the rate isn't competitive, you start the process over elsewhere.
Applying to BDO via Nook (Free Broker Service)
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker. When you apply through Nook for a BDO home loan:
- You get access to BDO's verified, current rates — not estimate ranges
- A dedicated mortgage specialist guides you through the process
- Your documents are reviewed and prepped before submission, reducing errors and delays
- The service is 100% free to you — Nook earns a referral fee from the bank, not from borrowers
- If BDO isn't the right fit, Nook can match you with other partner banks
For borrowers who want confidence that they're getting the best available rate with minimal paperwork friction, Nook's free broker service is a compelling advantage that a direct application to Metrobank simply can't replicate.
Refinancing: BDO vs Metrobank Takeout Rates
If you're currently paying a high rate with another bank and looking to refinance, both BDO and Metrobank offer takeout loan programs — but the rate difference can be significant.
BDO's verified refinance rate through Nook is 6.00% p.a. on a 1-year fixed basis. Metrobank's refinance rates are generally in the 7.25%–9.00% range (indicative, subject to change), depending on your loan amount, fixing period, and profile.
If you're currently paying 8% or above on a loan of 3,000,000 or more, refinancing to BDO's 6.00% rate could save you over 50,000 pesos per year in interest alone. For a deeper look at how these two banks stack up specifically for refinancing, see our BDO vs Metrobank home loan refinance rates comparison.
Important: Refinancing involves fees (appraisal, legal, registration) that affect the true savings calculation. Nook's specialists can help you model the full picture before you commit.
Fees and Other Costs
Both banks charge standard home loan fees. While exact amounts vary by loan size and property, typical costs include:
| Fee | BDO (Typical) | Metrobank (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Appraisal Fee | ~3,500–5,000 | ~3,500–5,000 |
| Processing Fee | ~5,000–10,000 | ~5,000–10,000 |
| Mortgage Registration | Varies by LGU | Varies by LGU |
| Fire Insurance | Required annually | Required annually |
| MRI (Mortgage Redemption Insurance) | Required | Required |
| Broker Fee (via Nook) | Free to borrower | N/A (direct application) |
All fees are indicative. Confirm exact amounts with the respective bank before signing any loan agreement.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Is BDO or Metrobank better for a home loan in 2026?
For most borrowers, BDO offers a clearer advantage in 2026 — its verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. (available through Nook) is lower than Metrobank's publicly indicative rates of approximately 7.00%–8.50%. BDO also accepts a wider range of employment types, including OFWs, BPO workers, and seafarers. That said, Metrobank may be competitive depending on your profile, so it's worth getting a formal quote from both before deciding.
What is BDO's current home loan interest rate?
BDO's current 1-year fixed home loan rate available through Nook is 6.00% p.a. This is a verified, current rate — not an estimate or a promotional teaser. Rates are subject to change, so confirm the rate at the time of your application.
What is Metrobank's current home loan interest rate?
Metrobank's home loan rates are not publicly listed in full detail. Based on publicly available information and general market data, Metrobank's 1-year fixed rates are approximately 7.00%–8.50% p.a., and refinancing rates typically fall in the 7.25%–9.00% range. These figures are indicative and subject to change — contact Metrobank directly or visit a branch for your official rate quote.
How much can I save by choosing BDO over Metrobank?
On a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, the difference between BDO's 6.00% rate and Metrobank's indicative 7.50% rate is approximately 642,720 pesos in total interest. On a larger loan of 5,000,000, the savings would be even more significant — potentially over 1,000,000 pesos over the loan term. Use Nook's free mortgage calculator to model your specific scenario.
Can I apply to both BDO and Metrobank at the same time?
Yes, you can apply to multiple banks simultaneously, and doing so can help you compare formal loan offers. However, each application may trigger a credit inquiry, which can temporarily affect your credit score if multiple inquiries occur in a short period. Working with Nook gives you access to BDO's verified rates without needing to shop around manually — Nook's specialists can also advise on whether applying to additional banks makes sense for your situation.
Does Nook charge a fee for helping me apply to BDO?
No. Nook's mortgage broker service is completely free for borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from partner banks like BDO — you pay nothing extra, and the rates you get through Nook are the same as (or better than) going directly to the bank. You also get the added benefit of a dedicated mortgage specialist who helps you prepare and submit your application.
What documents do I need to apply for a BDO home loan through Nook?
Standard requirements include: valid government-issued ID, proof of income (payslips, ITR, or audited financial statements for self-employed), proof of billing or residence, and property documents (title, tax declaration, contract to sell). Nook's team will walk you through the exact checklist based on your employment type and loan purpose, helping you avoid common document errors that delay approval.
Which bank is better for OFWs — BDO or Metrobank?
BDO is generally more accessible for OFWs and seafarers. It explicitly accepts these employment types under its home loan program, and applying through Nook means you'll have a specialist who understands the additional documentation requirements for OFW borrowers (e.g., OEC, employment contract, proof of remittance). Metrobank's OFW eligibility varies by program and may require a co-borrower who is locally employed.
How long does BDO take to approve a home loan?
BDO's typical approval timeline is approximately 30 days from submission of a complete set of documents. Metrobank typically takes 30 to 45 days. Incomplete document submissions are the most common cause of delays — working with Nook reduces this risk significantly, as your application is reviewed before it's submitted to the bank.
What is the minimum loan amount for BDO and Metrobank home loans?
BDO's minimum home loan amount is typically 500,000, though most practical applications start at around 1,000,000. Metrobank's minimum is generally in a similar range. Both banks are most competitive for loan amounts of 1,500,000 and above, where the rate difference translates into the most meaningful savings.