BDO vs Security Bank Housing Loan: Side-by-Side Rate Comparison
Both BDO and Security Bank are Nook partner banks, which means Filipino homebuyers and refinancers can apply to either — or both — at zero broker cost. Below is a direct comparison of their published housing loan rates and key loan details as of 2026. Note that interest rates are subject to change; always verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.
| Feature | BDO Unibank | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.00% p.a. | 6.99% p.a. |
| 5-Year Fixed Rate | Not publicly listed | 6.75% p.a. |
| Home Equity Rate | 6.00% p.a. | 7.50% p.a. |
| Minimum Monthly Income | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Typical Approval Time | ~30 days | ~23 days |
| Maximum DTI | 40% | 40% |
| Nook Partner | Yes | Yes |
Monthly Payment Comparison: What You'd Actually Pay
To make the rate difference concrete, here's how monthly amortizations compare on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years at each bank's 1-year fixed rate. These figures are estimates and do not include taxes, insurance, or other fees.
| Loan Amount | BDO @ 6.00% | Security Bank @ 6.99% | Monthly Savings with BDO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500,000 | ~10,746 | ~11,628 | ~882 |
| 3,000,000 | ~21,491 | ~23,256 | ~1,765 |
| 5,000,000 | ~35,819 | ~38,760 | ~2,941 |
| 8,000,000 | ~57,310 | ~62,016 | ~4,706 |
On a 3,000,000 loan, BDO's lower 1-year fixed rate saves you roughly 1,765 per month — that's over 21,180 in savings in year one alone. Over the fixed period, those savings compound significantly. If you're weighing which bank is right for your refinance, you may also find our BDO vs Security Bank home loan refinance rates 2026 comparison useful for a deeper look at the refinancing angle.
Eligible Employment Types: Who Can Apply?
Both banks are relatively inclusive in terms of employment types accepted, with minor differences worth noting.
| Employment Type | BDO | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Private Employee | Yes | Yes |
| Government Employee | Yes | Yes |
| BPO Worker | Yes | Yes |
| OFW / Seafarer | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Employed | Yes | Yes |
| Professional | Yes | Yes |
| Freelancer | No | Yes |
Security Bank's acceptance of freelancers is a meaningful advantage for the growing segment of independent workers in the Philippines. If you earn income from freelance or platform-based work, Security Bank may be your most accessible option among major banks.
Loan Purposes Covered
Both banks cover a broad range of housing loan purposes. Here's how they stack up:
| Loan Purpose | BDO | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | Yes | Yes |
| Home Equity / Cash-Out | Yes | Yes |
| Ready For Occupancy (RFO) | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Selling | Yes | Yes |
| New Construction | Yes | Yes |
| Renovation | Yes | Yes |
| Reselling | Yes | Yes |
| Foreclosed Properties | Yes | Yes |
Both banks are well-matched in terms of loan purpose coverage. Whether you're buying a brand-new condo, refinancing an existing mortgage, or unlocking equity from your home, either bank can accommodate your needs.
Approval Speed: Does the 7-Day Difference Matter?
BDO typically processes housing loan applications in around 30 days, while Security Bank clocks in at approximately 23 days — a one-week advantage. In most standard purchase or refinance scenarios, a seven-day difference is manageable. However, if you're racing against a turnover deadline, a developer's payment schedule, or a time-sensitive refinance window, Security Bank's faster turnaround can be a decisive factor. For borrowers who are not under time pressure, BDO's lower rate likely outweighs the approval speed gap.
Home Equity Loans: BDO Has the Clear Edge
If your goal is to borrow against your property's existing value — commonly called a home equity loan or cash-out refinance — BDO's 6.00% home equity rate is dramatically more competitive than Security Bank's 7.50%. On a 2,000,000 home equity loan over 10 years, that 1.50 percentage point gap translates to meaningful savings every single month. If tapping your home equity is your primary goal, BDO is the stronger choice. For a side-by-side view of takeout scenarios specifically, see our BDO vs Security Bank home loan takeout rates comparison.
Rate Certainty: When Security Bank's 5-Year Fixed Makes Sense
BDO's published rates show a 1-year fixed offering at 6.00%, which means your rate will be repriced after 12 months based on prevailing market conditions. Security Bank offers a 5-year fixed option at 6.75%, giving you rate certainty for a longer period. If you believe interest rates in the Philippines will rise over the next several years, locking in at 6.75% for five years could save you money compared to repricing annually at potentially higher rates. The right choice depends on your read of the rate environment and your personal risk tolerance.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has the lower housing loan 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 fixed period. However, Security Bank offers a 5-year fixed option at 6.75% p.a., which BDO does not publicly advertise — making Security Bank worth considering if you want longer rate certainty. Rates are subject to change, so verify current offers through Nook or directly with the bank.
How long does it take to get approved for a housing loan at BDO vs Security Bank?
Security Bank typically approves housing loan applications in approximately 23 days, while BDO takes around 30 days. If you're under a time-sensitive deadline — such as a developer turnover date or refinance window — Security Bank's faster processing could be an important advantage.
Can freelancers apply for a housing loan at BDO or Security Bank?
Security Bank accepts freelancers as eligible borrowers, which is a notable advantage for independent workers and gig economy professionals. BDO's listed employment types do not include freelancers. If you earn income through freelance or platform-based work, Security Bank is likely your better option between these two banks.
What is the minimum monthly income required to qualify for a housing loan at BDO and Security Bank?
Both BDO and Security Bank require a minimum monthly income of 50,000. This applies whether you are a private employee, government worker, OFW, or self-employed professional. Maximum debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is capped at 40% at both banks.
Which bank is better for a home equity loan — BDO or Security Bank?
BDO is significantly more competitive for home equity loans, offering a rate of 6.00% p.a. compared to Security Bank's 7.50% p.a. The 1.50 percentage point difference results in substantial savings over the life of a home equity loan. If your primary goal is to borrow against your property's value, BDO is the stronger choice.
Is it free to apply through Nook for a BDO or Security Bank housing loan?
Yes. Nook's mortgage brokering service is 100% free to the borrower. Both BDO and Security Bank are Nook partner banks, so you can apply to either — or both — at no cost. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank upon successful loan approval, not from you.
Can I apply to both BDO and Security Bank at the same time?
Yes, and this is often a smart strategy. Applying to multiple banks simultaneously lets you compare actual loan offers — not just advertised rates — before committing. Through Nook, you can submit to both BDO and Security Bank in a single application process, making it easy to compare without duplicating paperwork.
What types of properties can I finance with a BDO or Security Bank housing loan?
Both banks cover a wide range of property types and loan purposes, including ready-for-occupancy homes, pre-selling units, new construction, resale properties, foreclosed properties, renovation financing, and home equity loans. There is no significant difference between the two banks in terms of eligible property types.