BDO vs Security Bank Home Loan: Quick Comparison
Both BDO Unibank and Security Bank are Nook partner banks, which means you can apply to either — or both — through Nook at zero cost. Here's a snapshot of how they compare on the metrics that matter most to Filipino homeowners looking to refinance or take out a new home loan.
| Feature | BDO Unibank | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. | 6.99% p.a. |
| 5-Year Fixed Rate | Not listed | 6.75% p.a. |
| Home Equity Rate | 6.00% p.a. | 7.50% p.a. |
| Min. Monthly Income | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Max DTI Ratio | 40% | 40% |
| Typical Approval Time | ~30 days | ~23 days |
| Nook Partner | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Please verify current rates with the bank or through your Nook advisor before making any financial decisions.
Interest Rate Comparison: BDO vs Security Bank
Interest rate is the single biggest factor in determining your monthly amortization and total loan cost. Here's how BDO and Security Bank stack up:
BDO Home Loan Rates
- 1-Year Fixed: 6.00% p.a.
- Home Equity: 6.00% p.a.
BDO's 6.00% p.a. rate is among the lowest available in the Philippine market today. For borrowers refinancing from a rate of 8% or higher, the savings can be substantial. On a loan of 4,000,000 over 20 years, moving from 8.50% to 6.00% reduces your monthly payment from approximately 34,820 to approximately 28,664 — a saving of over 6,000 per month, or more than 1,470,000 over the life of the loan.
Security Bank Home Loan Rates
- 1-Year Fixed: 6.99% p.a.
- 5-Year Fixed: 6.75% p.a.
- Home Equity: 7.50% p.a.
Security Bank's standout offering is its 5-year fixed rate at 6.75% p.a. — a compelling option for borrowers who want longer-term rate certainty without repricing risk every year. While the 1-year fixed rate is higher than BDO's, locking in for 5 years can provide peace of mind if you expect interest rates to rise.
For a deeper look at how these rates compare in a refinancing context, see our BDO vs Security Bank refinance rate comparison for 2026.
Monthly Amortization Examples
To make the rate difference tangible, here are sample monthly amortizations at each bank's 1-year fixed rate across common loan amounts, assuming a 20-year term. All amounts in Philippine Pesos.
| Loan Amount | BDO @ 6.00% | Security Bank @ 6.99% | Monthly Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000,000 | 14,322 | 15,519 | 1,197 |
| 3,500,000 | 25,064 | 27,159 | 2,095 |
| 5,000,000 | 35,806 | 38,798 | 2,992 |
| 7,500,000 | 53,709 | 58,197 | 4,488 |
These figures are indicative estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual amortizations depend on your exact loan terms, bank fees, and applicable charges. Rates are subject to change.
Loan Purposes: What Can You Use Each Loan For?
Both banks support a wide range of home loan purposes, but there are some differences worth noting.
BDO Supported Loan Purposes
- Refinancing
- Home Equity (Cash-Out)
- Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
- Pre-Selling
- New Construction
- Renovation
- Reselling
- Foreclosed Properties
Security Bank Supported Loan Purposes
- Refinancing
- Home Equity (Cash-Out)
- Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
- Pre-Selling
- New Construction
- Renovation
- Reselling
- Foreclosed Properties
Both banks cover essentially the same ground — from simple refinancing to more complex transactions like foreclosed property purchases and new construction. This makes either a strong candidate regardless of your specific home loan need.
Eligible Borrower Profiles
One of the most important factors in choosing a bank is whether you actually qualify. Here's how each bank's eligibility requirements compare.
| Borrower Type | BDO | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Private Employee | ✅ | ✅ |
| Government Employee | ✅ | ✅ |
| BPO / Call Center | ✅ | ✅ |
| OFW / Seafarer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-Employed | ✅ | ✅ |
| Professional (Doctor, Lawyer, etc.) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Freelancer | ❌ Not listed | ✅ |
Security Bank has a slight edge here for freelancers and independent contractors, explicitly accepting this borrower type. If you're a freelancer with documented income, Security Bank may be the more accessible option. For all other employment types, both banks are equally open.
Approval Speed: 30 Days vs 23 Days
Security Bank's typical approval time of 23 days is notably faster than BDO's 30-day turnaround. For borrowers with a time-sensitive transaction — such as a resale purchase with a fixed closing deadline, or a refinance where you're trying to lock in a rate before your repricing date — that one-week difference can be meaningful.
That said, BDO's 30-day timeline is still well within industry norms, and their competitive 6.00% rate often makes the wait worthwhile. Your Nook advisor can help you assess whether speed or savings should take priority based on your specific situation.
If you're specifically evaluating refinancing timelines, our guide on BDO vs Security Bank home loan takeout rates covers the process in more detail.
Why Apply Through Nook?
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and our service is 100% free for borrowers. Here's what you get when you apply through Nook instead of going directly to a bank:
- Compare multiple banks in one place — no need to visit each bank separately or fill out multiple applications
- Expert guidance — our advisors help you understand which bank fits your income, loan amount, and purpose best
- Faster processing support — we help you prepare documents correctly the first time, reducing back-and-forth delays
- Zero broker fee — Nook is compensated by the banks, not by you
- Access to the best available rates — including rates as low as 5.99% p.a. currently available through our partner network
Whether BDO or Security Bank is the right fit for you, Nook makes the process simpler, faster, and completely free.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a lower interest rate — BDO or Security Bank?
BDO currently offers the lower 1-year fixed rate at 6.00% p.a., compared to Security Bank's 6.99% p.a. for the same term. However, Security Bank offers a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a., which can be advantageous for borrowers who want longer rate stability. Note that rates are subject to change — always verify the latest rates with your Nook advisor or directly with the bank.
Which bank approves home loans faster — BDO or Security Bank?
Security Bank has a faster typical approval time of approximately 23 days, compared to BDO's approximately 30 days. If your transaction is time-sensitive, Security Bank may be the better choice for speed. Applying through Nook can also help expedite the process by ensuring your documents are complete and correctly submitted from the start.
Can I apply to both BDO and Security Bank at the same time?
Yes. Through Nook, you can submit your information once and our advisors will help you identify which bank — or combination of banks — makes sense to apply to based on your profile. Applying to multiple banks simultaneously increases your chances of approval and gives you options to compare actual offers.
What is the minimum monthly income required for BDO and Security Bank home loans?
Both BDO and Security Bank require a minimum monthly income of 50,000. This applies to most employment types including private employees, government workers, OFWs, self-employed individuals, and professionals. Security Bank additionally accepts freelancers with documented income.
Is BDO or Security Bank better for refinancing?
For refinancing, BDO's 6.00% p.a. rate offers the greatest potential savings, especially if you're currently paying 8% or more. Security Bank is also a strong refinancing option, particularly if you value faster processing or want a 5-year fixed period for rate certainty. The best choice depends on your current rate, remaining loan balance, and priorities — your Nook advisor can run the numbers for both scenarios.
Does Nook charge a fee for helping me compare BDO and Security Bank?
No. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers. Nook is compensated by the banks upon successful loan disbursement, so you pay nothing for the comparison, advice, or application assistance. You get access to the same or better rates than going directly to the bank, with the added benefit of expert guidance.
Can OFWs apply for a home loan through BDO or Security Bank via Nook?
Yes. Both BDO and Security Bank accept OFW and seafarer borrowers, and Nook supports OFW applications. Since OFWs may find it challenging to visit a bank branch in person, Nook's digital process makes it easier to submit requirements and track your application remotely.
What loan purposes do BDO and Security Bank both support?
Both banks support a full range of home loan purposes including refinancing, home equity (cash-out), ready-for-occupancy purchases, pre-selling, new construction, renovation, reselling, and foreclosed properties. You are unlikely to be limited by loan purpose regardless of which bank you choose.