⚖️ 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 lenders — but their rates, requirements, and approval timelines can differ significantly. Here's what every Filipino homebuyer and refinancer needs to know before choosing between them in 2026.

Our Verdict

BDO Edges Out Metrobank for Most Borrowers in 2026

BDO offers a verified 6.00% p.a. fixed rate through Nook, transparent qualification criteria, and a 30-day approval timeline — making it the stronger choice for borrowers who want certainty and speed. Metrobank is a reputable lender but its rates are approximate and typically fall in the 7–9% range based on publicly available information, which can mean significantly higher monthly payments over the life of your loan. For borrowers who want to compare both options without the legwork, Nook can submit your application to BDO on your behalf — completely free.

BDO vs Metrobank Housing Loan: At a Glance

Choosing between BDO and Metrobank for your housing loan is one of the most common dilemmas Filipino homebuyers face. Both are established, well-capitalized banks with nationwide branch networks — but the details of their home loan products differ in ways that can cost or save you hundreds of thousands of pesos over the life of your mortgage.

This comparison uses verified rate data for BDO (a Nook partner bank) and approximate publicly available rate information for Metrobank. Rates are subject to change; always verify current offers directly with the bank or through a licensed broker like Nook.

FeatureBDO (Nook Partner)Metrobank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a. (verified)~7.50–9.00% p.a. (approximate)
Home Equity / Refi Rate6.00% p.a. (verified)~7.50–9.00% p.a. (approximate)
Minimum Monthly Income50,000~50,000 (approximate)
Typical Approval Time~30 days~30–45 days (approximate)
Max Debt-to-Income Ratio40%Not publicly disclosed
Available Through Nook✅ Yes — free service❌ Not a Nook partner

Note: Metrobank rates shown are approximate, based on publicly available information as of 2026, and are subject to change. Contact Metrobank directly or speak to a Nook advisor for the latest figures.

Interest Rate Comparison: What the Numbers Mean for Your Wallet

The difference between a 6.00% and a 7.50% interest rate might not sound dramatic — but on a 20-year mortgage, it translates to a very real difference in your monthly budget and total interest paid.

Let's use a 3,000,000 peso home loan over 20 years as a benchmark example:

ScenarioRateEst. Monthly PaymentEst. Total Interest Paid
BDO via Nook6.00% p.a.~21,491~2,157,840
Metrobank (approx.)7.50% p.a.~24,169~2,800,560
Metrobank (approx.)9.00% p.a.~26,992~3,478,080

At 7.50%, you would pay approximately 642,720 pesos more in interest over 20 years compared to BDO's verified 6.00% rate. At 9.00%, that gap widens to over 1,320,000 pesos — enough to buy a brand-new car or fund your children's college education.

These figures assume a fixed rate held for the full loan term. In practice, Philippine home loans reprice after fixed periods (commonly 1, 3, or 5 years), so the actual total interest will depend on future rate adjustments.

If you're currently paying a higher rate with another bank, you may want to read our BDO vs Metrobank home loan refinance rates comparison to see how much you could save by switching.

Loan Products & Eligible Purposes

Both banks cover the standard range of home loan purposes, but BDO's product lineup — as verified through Nook — is particularly broad.

BDO Housing Loan (Nook Partner)

Metrobank Housing Loan

Eligibility & Who Can Apply

Both BDO and Metrobank serve a wide range of Filipino borrowers, including locally employed professionals, OFWs, and self-employed individuals. Here's what we know about their eligibility requirements:

BDO (Verified via Nook)

Metrobank (Approximate — Verify Directly)

One key advantage of applying through Nook for BDO is that a licensed broker reviews your profile before submission — significantly reducing the risk of a declined application.

Application Process: BDO vs Metrobank

The home loan application process in the Philippines is notorious for being document-heavy and time-consuming. Here's how the two banks compare on process transparency and speed.

StepBDO via NookMetrobank (Direct)
Initial InquiryOnline via Nook — freeBranch visit or online inquiry
Document SubmissionAssisted by Nook advisorSelf-managed
Credit & Income AssessmentPre-screened by Nook before bank submissionBank-assessed only
Property AppraisalCoordinated by bank (~7–10 business days)Coordinated by bank
Approval Timeline~30 days (verified)~30–45 days (approximate)
Broker FeeFree (Nook is paid by the bank)N/A (direct application)

Applying through Nook for BDO gives you the benefit of expert guidance and pre-screening — without any cost to you. Nook is compensated directly by the bank, so borrowers pay nothing for the service.

Refinancing: Which Bank Is Better for Switching?

If you already have an existing home loan — whether with BDO, Metrobank, or another bank — refinancing could significantly reduce your monthly payments. BDO's verified 6.00% refinance rate through Nook is among the most competitive in the market today.

Consider this: if you have a remaining loan balance of 4,000,000 pesos with 15 years left and you're currently paying 8.50% interest, refinancing to 6.00% could save you approximately:

For a deeper dive into how the two banks stack up specifically for refinancing, see our BDO vs Metrobank home loan refinance rates comparison.

Keep in mind that refinancing involves closing costs (documentary stamp tax, notarial fees, appraisal) which typically range from 1–3% of the loan amount. Your net savings should account for these one-time costs.

Summary: BDO vs Metrobank Housing Loan

CategoryWinnerNotes
Interest Rate🏆 BDOVerified 6.00% vs approximate 7.50–9.00% for Metrobank
Rate Transparency🏆 BDOVerified rates available through Nook; Metrobank rates require direct inquiry
Eligible Borrower Types🏆 BDOWider verified list including BPO, OFW, Seafarers
Approval Speed🏆 BDOVerified 30-day timeline vs approximate 30–45 days for Metrobank
Loan Purposes🏆 BDO8 verified purposes including foreclosed and pre-selling
Free Broker Access🏆 BDO via NookNook provides free broker service for BDO applications
Branch Network↔ TieBoth have nationwide presence

This comparison is intended for informational purposes only. All rates are subject to change. Metrobank figures are approximate and based on publicly available information. Always verify current rates and terms directly with the bank or through a licensed broker.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is BDO's current housing loan interest rate in 2026?

BDO's verified housing loan rate through Nook is 6.00% p.a. for a 1-year fixed term. This is one of the most competitive rates available in the Philippine market today and applies to both home purchase and home equity/refinancing purposes. Rates are subject to change, so it's best to confirm the latest offer through Nook or directly with BDO.

What is Metrobank's current housing loan interest rate?

Based on publicly available information, Metrobank's housing loan rates are approximately 7.50% to 9.00% p.a. depending on the fixed rate period and loan amount. These figures are not verified by Nook and may change without notice. We recommend contacting Metrobank directly for a formal rate quote.

Which bank is better for a first home purchase — BDO or Metrobank?

For most first-time homebuyers, BDO offers a stronger package in 2026: a verified 6.00% rate, broader eligible loan purposes (including pre-selling and RFO properties), a clear 40% DTI cap, and access to free broker support through Nook. Metrobank is a credible alternative but its rates are approximately 1.5 to 3 percentage points higher based on publicly available data, which can add hundreds of thousands of pesos to your total interest cost.

Can I apply to both BDO and Metrobank at the same time?

Yes, there is no rule against applying to multiple banks simultaneously for a home loan in the Philippines. However, multiple credit inquiries in a short period can affect your credit profile. Through Nook, you can apply to BDO for free with expert guidance — and Nook advisors can help you determine whether applying to additional banks is worth it for your specific situation.

How much can I borrow from BDO for a housing loan?

BDO typically lends up to 80% of the appraised value of the property (loan-to-value ratio). For most residential properties, loan amounts commonly range from 1,500,000 to 10,000,000 pesos or higher, depending on your income, the appraised value, and your debt-to-income ratio (maximum 40%). Your Nook advisor can help you calculate your estimated loanable amount before you apply.

What documents do I need to apply for a BDO housing loan?

Standard requirements for a BDO housing loan include: a valid government-issued ID, latest ITR (Income Tax Return) or BIR Form 2316, payslips for the last 3 months (for employed applicants), audited financial statements (for self-employed), a filled-out application form, and property documents such as the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) and tax declaration. Nook advisors assist you in preparing and checking all documents before submission to minimize delays.

Is it worth refinancing from Metrobank to BDO?

If you currently have a Metrobank home loan at a rate above 6.00%, refinancing to BDO through Nook could generate significant savings. For example, on a 4,000,000 peso loan with 15 years remaining, switching from 8.50% to 6.00% could save approximately 954,000 pesos in total interest. Refinancing does involve one-time costs (typically 1–3% of the loan amount), so it's important to calculate your break-even point. Nook can help you run the numbers for free.

Does Nook charge a fee to apply through them?

No. Nook's service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the bank (BDO) when your loan is successfully approved and released. You get expert advice, document assistance, and pre-screening at zero cost to you.