⚖️ Bank Comparison

BPI vs CIMB

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

BPI and CIMB both market home loans to Filipino borrowers, but their rates, eligibility rules, and loan purposes differ significantly. Here's a clear side-by-side breakdown so you can decide which lender—or a better alternative—is right for your refinance.

Our Verdict

BPI Edges Out CIMB for Most Refinancing Scenarios—But Nook Can Do Better

BPI offers a more established home loan product with transparent fixed-rate terms and broader loan purpose coverage, making it the safer choice versus CIMB for refinancing an existing mortgage. However, through Nook, eligible borrowers can access rates starting at 5.99% p.a.—lower than either bank's standard published rates—at zero broker cost. If you're serious about cutting your monthly payment, comparing both banks through Nook's free platform is the smartest first step.

BPI vs CIMB Home Loan: Quick Snapshot

CIMB Bank Philippines has grown rapidly as a digital bank, primarily known for its high-yield savings products. While CIMB has explored lending products in the Philippines, its home loan offerings remain limited and are not consistently available through standard broker channels. BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands), by contrast, is one of the country's oldest and most trusted banks with a full-featured home loan product available through Nook as a verified partner bank.

This comparison focuses on what each institution currently offers Filipino homeowners looking to refinance their existing home loan.

FeatureBPI Home LoanCIMB Home Loan
1-Year Fixed Rate6.70% p.a.Not consistently available
5-Year Fixed Rate6.50% p.a.Not consistently available
Home Equity / Multi-Purpose6.70% p.a.Limited availability
Minimum Monthly Income40,000Varies / not publicly fixed
Typical Approval Time~52 daysNot standardized
Max Debt-to-Income Ratio40%Not disclosed
Refinancing SupportedYesNot confirmed
OFW / Seafarer EligibleYesLimited
Available via NookYes (free)No

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

BPI Home Loan Rates in Detail

As a Nook partner bank, BPI's home loan rates are verified and updated regularly. Here's what borrowers can expect:

BPI accepts borrowers across a wide range of employment types: private employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs and seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals. The minimum qualifying monthly income is 40,000, and the maximum debt-to-income ratio allowed is 40%.

Loan purposes covered by BPI include refinancing, home equity, new construction, pre-selling units, ready-for-occupancy properties, renovation, and reselling—making it one of the most flexible lenders on the market.

Want to see how BPI stacks up against other established banks? Check out our BPI vs Chinabank home loan comparison for another detailed side-by-side breakdown.

CIMB Home Loan: What You Need to Know

CIMB Bank Philippines entered the local market primarily as a digital savings and personal finance platform. Its high-interest savings accounts and easy account opening process made it popular among younger Filipinos. However, CIMB's home loan product in the Philippines is not a standard, widely available offering through broker networks or third-party comparison platforms at this time.

Key considerations when evaluating CIMB for a home loan:

If you've seen CIMB home loan promotions, it's worth clarifying directly with CIMB whether those products are currently active and what terms apply to your specific property and employment situation.

Monthly Payment Comparison: BPI at 6.50% vs a Typical Existing Rate

To illustrate how much refinancing to BPI through Nook could save you, here's a sample calculation for a 3,000,000 home loan over 20 years:

ScenarioRateEst. Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Over 20 Years
Existing loan (typical)8.50% p.a.~26,035~3,248,400
BPI via Nook (5-Year Fixed)6.50% p.a.~22,382~2,371,680
Best Nook rate available5.99% p.a.~21,559~2,173,920

Refinancing a 3,000,000 loan from 8.50% to BPI's 6.50% 5-year fixed rate could save you approximately 3,653 per month—that's over 876,000 in total interest savings over 20 years. Nook's service costs you nothing to access these rates.

Note: Monthly payment estimates are illustrative and based on standard amortization calculations. Actual payments depend on your outstanding balance, remaining term, and bank-assessed terms. Rates are subject to change.

Which Borrower Profile Suits Each Bank?

BPI is a strong fit if you:

CIMB may be worth exploring if you:

For most refinancing scenarios, BPI's established product, transparent rates, and Nook partnership make it the clear practical choice between these two institutions. You may also want to read our BPI vs Maybank Philippines comparison if you're evaluating other alternative lenders alongside BPI.

Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Direct?

Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and our service is 100% free to borrowers. Here's what you get when you apply through Nook instead of walking into a bank branch:

The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a.—significantly lower than what most Filipino homeowners are currently paying (typically 7%–10%).

Not sure which bank suits you?

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

Compare My Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CIMB offer home loans in the Philippines?

CIMB Bank Philippines is primarily known for its digital savings products. Its home loan offering in the Philippines is not consistently available through standard broker or comparison platforms, and CIMB does not currently appear as a mainstream refinancing option. If you're interested in CIMB, it's best to contact them directly to check current product availability. For borrowers seeking refinancing, banks like BPI—which offer verified rates through Nook—are typically a more reliable option.

What is BPI's current home loan interest rate?

As verified through Nook's partner bank network, BPI's current home loan rates are: 6.70% p.a. for a 1-year fixed term, 6.50% p.a. for a 5-year fixed term, and 6.70% p.a. for home equity loans. These rates are subject to change, so always confirm the latest rates through Nook or directly with BPI before applying.

How much can I save by refinancing to BPI through Nook?

Savings depend on your current rate and outstanding loan balance. As an example, refinancing a 3,000,000 loan from 8.50% to BPI's 6.50% 5-year fixed rate over 20 years could lower your monthly payment by approximately 3,653 and save over 876,000 in total interest. Use Nook's free mortgage calculator or speak with a Nook advisor to get a personalized estimate.

Is Nook's mortgage broker service really free?

Yes, Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank when your loan is approved—you pay no additional cost on top of the bank's standard fees. You get access to multiple lender rates, expert advice, and application support at no charge.

Can OFWs apply for a BPI home loan through Nook?

Yes. BPI accepts OFW and seafarer applicants for home loans, including refinancing. Through Nook, OFW borrowers can submit their application digitally and receive guidance on the specific documentation requirements for overseas workers. The minimum monthly income requirement is 40,000.

What's the difference between a 1-year and 5-year fixed rate home loan?

A 1-year fixed rate locks your interest rate for one year, after which the bank re-prices your loan based on prevailing market rates. BPI's 1-year fixed rate is 6.70% p.a. A 5-year fixed rate locks your rate for five years, offering more payment stability—BPI's 5-year fixed rate is 6.50% p.a., which is actually lower. Most borrowers refinancing for long-term savings prefer the 5-year fixed option for the combination of rate certainty and a lower starting rate.

What loan purposes does BPI cover?

BPI home loans can be used for a wide range of purposes including refinancing an existing home loan, home equity (cash-out), new construction, pre-selling property purchases, ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units, renovation, and reselling. This makes BPI one of the more flexible lenders available through Nook's platform.