⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs Rizal Commercial Banking

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

BDO and Rizal Commercial Banking (RCBC) both offer home loan and refinancing products in the Philippines, but their rates, requirements, and approval timelines differ in ways that can mean thousands of pesos in savings. See how they compare — and how Nook can help you get the best deal for free.

Our Verdict

BDO edges out RCBC for most refinancing borrowers, especially with Nook's free broker service

BDO's 6.00% p.a. fixed rate and 30-day approval timeline make it a strong choice for homeowners looking to reduce monthly payments quickly. While RCBC is a reputable lender with a solid home loan product, BDO's accessible income requirements and wide range of loan purposes give it a broader appeal. Applying through Nook means you get BDO's competitive rates with zero broker fees and guided support throughout.

BDO vs RCBC Home Loan: Rate Comparison

When comparing BDO Unibank and Rizal Commercial Banking (RCBC) for a home loan or refinance, interest rates are the single biggest factor that will affect your total cost over the life of the loan. Here's how they stack up:

FeatureBDO UnibankRCBC
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a.Varies — typically 6.50%–8.00% p.a.
Home Equity Rate6.00% p.a.Varies by term and profile
Minimum Loan AmountP500,000P300,000
Minimum Monthly IncomeP50,000P30,000–P40,000 (varies)
Typical Approval Time30 days30–45 days
Max Debt-to-Income Ratio40%~40%
Nook Partner Bank✅ Yes❌ No

Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.

Monthly Payment Comparison: Real Numbers

To illustrate the real-world impact of a rate difference, here's what a borrower refinancing a P3,000,000 loan over 20 years would pay under each bank's indicative rates:

ScenarioBDO (6.00% p.a.)RCBC (~7.50% p.a.)
Loan AmountP3,000,000P3,000,000
Loan Term20 years20 years
Monthly Payment (approx.)P21,491P24,057
Total Interest Paid (approx.)P2,157,840P2,773,680
Estimated Savings vs. RCBCP615,840 over loan term

That's over P600,000 in potential savings — simply by choosing a lower rate. If you're currently paying 7.50% or more, refinancing to BDO at 6.00% through Nook could dramatically reduce your financial burden over time.

Want to see what your actual savings could be? See how BDO also compares to Security Bank for another perspective on competitive refinance rates in the market.

Loan Purpose Eligibility

Both BDO and RCBC support a range of property purchase and refinancing scenarios, but BDO's coverage through Nook is especially comprehensive:

Loan PurposeBDO via NookRCBC
Refinancing
Ready for Occupancy (RFO)
Pre-Selling
Home Equity / Cash-Out
Renovation
New ConstructionLimited
Foreclosed PropertiesLimited
Reselling

Borrower Eligibility: Who Qualifies?

BDO via Nook accepts a wide range of employment types, making it one of the most accessible refinancing options for Filipino borrowers:

RCBC also accepts multiple employment types, but income documentation requirements and approval criteria can be stricter for non-traditional earners like OFWs and self-employed borrowers. BDO's broader acceptance profile makes it easier for more Filipinos to qualify.

The minimum monthly income requirement for BDO via Nook is P50,000. If your income is below this threshold, you may want to explore other options — see our guide on BDO vs Landbank where Landbank may offer more flexibility for certain borrowers.

Fees and Hidden Costs

Beyond the interest rate, it's important to understand the full cost of a home loan or refinance. Both banks charge standard fees, including:

One key advantage of applying through Nook: Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers. There are no broker fees, no hidden charges, and no obligation. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank — not from you — so you get professional guidance at zero cost.

Application Process: BDO via Nook vs RCBC Direct

Applying directly to RCBC means managing your own documents, following up with the bank, and navigating the approval process alone. Here's how the experience differs when you apply to BDO through Nook:

StepBDO via NookRCBC Direct
Initial ConsultationFree, online, guided by Nook advisorWalk-in or online form submission
Document PreparationNook helps you prepare and review docsSelf-managed
Bank SubmissionNook submits on your behalfYou submit directly
Follow-up & UpdatesNook tracks your applicationYou follow up yourself
Typical Approval Time~30 days30–45 days
Broker FeeFreeN/A

For borrowers who value convenience, speed, and expert support, applying through Nook is the clear choice.

Not sure which bank suits you?

Nook compares offers from 15+ banks for free. See your personalised options.

Compare My Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BDO or RCBC better for home loan refinancing in the Philippines?

For most borrowers, BDO offers a stronger refinancing package — particularly when applying through Nook. BDO's current 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. is highly competitive, and the 30-day approval timeline is faster than RCBC's typical 30–45 days. Nook's free broker service also makes the BDO application process smoother and easier to manage.

What is BDO's current home loan interest rate?

BDO's current 1-year fixed rate through Nook is 6.00% per annum. This applies to both standard home loans and home equity loans. Note that interest rates are subject to change — always confirm the latest rate with Nook or BDO before applying.

What is RCBC's current home loan interest rate?

RCBC's home loan rates typically range from around 6.50% to 8.00% per annum depending on the fixed-rate period, loan amount, and borrower profile. Rates are subject to change, so it's best to contact RCBC directly or compare via Nook to get the most current figures.

How much can I save by refinancing from RCBC to BDO?

The savings depend on your current rate, loan balance, and remaining term. As an example, a borrower with a P3,000,000 loan at 7.50% over 20 years could save approximately P615,840 in total interest by refinancing to BDO at 6.00%. Use Nook's free assessment to get a personalized savings estimate based on your actual loan details.

Does Nook charge a fee to help me refinance?

No. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank, not from you. You get full broker support — document preparation, bank submission, and application tracking — at zero cost.

What is the minimum income requirement to qualify for a BDO home loan through Nook?

The minimum monthly income requirement for a BDO home loan through Nook is P50,000. BDO accepts borrowers from a wide range of employment backgrounds including private employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals.

Can OFWs apply for a BDO home loan refinance through Nook?

Yes. BDO via Nook accepts OFWs and seafarers as eligible borrowers. Nook can guide OFWs through the documentation requirements and application process remotely, making it a convenient option for Filipinos working abroad who want to refinance their home loan back in the Philippines.

How long does BDO home loan approval take?

BDO typically approves home loan and refinance applications within 30 days when submitted through Nook with complete documentation. Incomplete submissions can cause delays, which is one reason having a Nook advisor review your documents before submission is so valuable.