⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs Security Bank

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

BDO offers a 6.00% 1-year fixed rate while Security Bank starts at 6.75% for a 5-year fixed — both are Nook partner banks, so first-time buyers can compare them side by side and apply for free. We break down rates, requirements, and monthly payments to help you decide which fits your budget best.

Our Verdict

BDO wins on rate; Security Bank wins on flexibility — your best choice depends on your priority

BDO's 6.00% 1-year fixed is the lowest entry rate of the two, making it ideal for first-time buyers who want to minimise their initial monthly payment and plan to reassess when their fixed period ends. Security Bank's 5-year fixed at 6.75% offers longer payment certainty, which suits buyers who prefer predictable budgeting over a longer horizon without repricing risk. Because Nook partners with both banks and the service is 100% free, there's no cost to applying to both and choosing the approval with the better terms for your situation.

BDO vs Security Bank Housing Loan: Rate Comparison

Both BDO and Security Bank are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook at zero cost. Here is how their published rates stack up for 2026:

Fixed PeriodBDOSecurity Bank
1-Year Fixed6.00%6.99%
5-Year Fixed6.75%
Home Equity6.00%7.50%

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

Monthly Payment Comparison for First-Time Buyers

To make the numbers concrete, here are estimated monthly amortisations for a 3,000,000 peso loan over a 20-year term. These figures use the respective 1-year fixed rates for an apples-to-apples comparison.

ScenarioBDO (6.00%)Security Bank (6.99%)
Loan: 3,000,000 / 20 yrs21,491 / mo23,252 / mo
Monthly Savings vs. Security Bank1,761 savings
Annual Savings21,132 savings

For a 5,000,000 peso loan over 20 years, the gap widens:

ScenarioBDO (6.00%)Security Bank (6.99%)
Loan: 5,000,000 / 20 yrs35,819 / mo38,753 / mo
Monthly Savings vs. Security Bank2,934 savings
Annual Savings35,208 savings

However, if you value rate stability, Security Bank's 5-year fixed at 6.75% means your rate won't reprice for five years. On a 3,000,000 peso loan over 20 years at 6.75%, the monthly payment is approximately 22,791 — higher than BDO's 1-year rate today, but locked in regardless of market movements for five full years.

Monthly payment estimates are for illustrative purposes only and do not include insurance, taxes, or other fees. Actual amortisation will vary based on final approved terms.

Eligibility Requirements: How Do They Compare?

RequirementBDOSecurity Bank
Minimum Monthly Income50,00050,000
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio40%40%
Employment Types AcceptedPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, ProfessionalPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional, Freelancer

Both banks share identical income and DTI thresholds, which is good news for first-time buyers comparing them head-to-head — your eligibility is unlikely to differ between the two based on income alone. The standout difference is that Security Bank explicitly accepts freelancers, making it a stronger option if your income comes from project-based or online work. BDO covers all the major employment categories including OFW and seafarer profiles, which is significant given the large number of overseas Filipino workers looking to invest in property back home.

Loan Purposes Covered

Loan PurposeBDOSecurity Bank
Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
Pre-Selling
New Construction
Refinancing
Home Equity / Cash-Out
Renovation
Reselling / Resale
Foreclosed Properties

As first-time buyers, most of you will be looking at RFO, pre-selling, or resale purchases — and both banks cover all three without restriction. If you are also considering eventually refinancing or tapping your home equity down the road, both banks have you covered there too. For a deeper look at how these banks compare specifically on refinancing deals, see our BDO vs Security Bank home loan refinance rates 2026 comparison.

Approval Speed

BankTypical Approval Time
BDO~30 days
Security Bank~23 days

Security Bank has a notable edge in processing speed at approximately 23 days versus BDO's 30 days. For first-time buyers working toward a developer deadline or a seller with a firm transfer timeline, that one-week difference can matter. If speed is a priority alongside competitive rates, Security Bank's faster turnaround is worth factoring into your decision. That said, BDO's 30-day approval is still within a reasonable range and should not be a dealbreaker for most purchase timelines.

Which Bank Is Right for You?

Here is a quick decision guide for first-time buyers:

If you are already a homeowner considering a switch, our BDO vs Security Bank home loan takeout rates comparison covers the refinancing angle in more detail.

Not sure which bank suits you?

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current housing loan rate for BDO in 2026?

BDO's current 1-year fixed housing loan rate is 6.00% per annum. This applies to both purchase loans and home equity purposes. Rates are subject to change, so we recommend verifying the latest rates through Nook or directly with BDO before applying.

What is Security Bank's housing loan rate in 2026?

Security Bank offers a 1-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a. and a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. for housing loans. Their home equity rate is 7.50% p.a. The 5-year fixed option is particularly popular among buyers who want medium-term rate stability. Rates are subject to change — verify current terms before applying.

Which bank has lower monthly payments — BDO or Security Bank?

On a 1-year fixed basis, BDO has lower monthly payments. For a 3,000,000 peso loan over 20 years, BDO at 6.00% results in approximately 21,491 per month, while Security Bank at 6.99% results in approximately 23,252 per month — a difference of about 1,761 per month. However, Security Bank's 5-year fixed at 6.75% (approximately 22,791 per month for the same loan) offers more rate certainty over a longer period.

Can first-time buyers qualify for both BDO and Security Bank housing loans?

Yes. Both banks accept first-time homebuyers as long as you meet their requirements: a minimum monthly income of 50,000 pesos and a debt-to-income ratio not exceeding 40%. Both accept employed, self-employed, OFW, and professional applicants. Security Bank additionally accepts freelancers, which BDO does not explicitly list.

How long does it take to get approved for a housing loan with BDO vs Security Bank?

Security Bank typically processes housing loan approvals in about 23 days, while BDO takes approximately 30 days. If you are on a tight timeline — for example, working toward a developer or seller deadline — Security Bank's faster turnaround may be an advantage.

Can I apply to BDO and Security Bank at the same time through Nook?

Yes. Nook is a free digital mortgage broker that lets you compare and apply to multiple partner banks — including both BDO and Security Bank — through a single application process. There is no cost to the borrower. You can review actual approved offers from both banks before deciding which to accept.

Does Security Bank accept freelancers for housing loans?

Yes. Security Bank explicitly accepts freelancers as a valid employment type for housing loan applications. This makes it one of the more accessible major banks for gig workers, online professionals, and project-based earners in the Philippines. BDO accepts self-employed applicants and professionals but does not list freelancers as a separate category.

Is it better to get a 1-year fixed or 5-year fixed housing loan?

It depends on your risk tolerance and financial outlook. A 1-year fixed rate (like BDO's 6.00%) gives you the lowest initial payment but reprices annually, meaning your rate could go up or down each year. A 5-year fixed rate (like Security Bank's 6.75%) costs a bit more initially but locks in your monthly payment for five years, giving you greater budgeting certainty. First-time buyers who prefer predictability often lean toward longer fixed periods.