⚖️ Bank Comparison

BPI vs Rizal Commercial Banking

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

Choosing between BPI and Rizal Commercial Banking (RCBC) for your home loan? We break down their rates, fees, and terms side by side so you can find the best deal — and show you how refinancing through Nook could save you hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Our Verdict

BPI Edges Out RCBC for Most Refinancers — Especially Through Nook

BPI Family Savings Bank offers competitive fixed rates starting at 6.50% for a 5-year fix, with a streamlined digital process and broad eligibility covering OFWs, self-employed borrowers, and government employees. RCBC can be a solid alternative for borrowers with existing RCBC relationships, but BPI's transparent rate structure and Nook's free broker service make BPI the stronger choice for most Filipino homeowners looking to refinance. Apply through Nook at no cost to access BPI's best available rates.

BPI vs RCBC Home Loan Rates at a Glance

Interest rates are the single biggest factor in your total home loan cost. Here's how BPI Family Savings Bank and Rizal Commercial Banking (RCBC) compare on their published home loan rates.

Fixed PeriodBPI Family Savings BankRCBC
1-Year Fixed6.70% p.a.Typically 7.50%–8.50% p.a.*
5-Year Fixed6.50% p.a.Typically 7.75%–8.75% p.a.*
Home Equity / Flexi6.70% p.a.Varies by product*

*RCBC rates are indicative market estimates. BPI Family Savings Bank rates are verified Nook partner rates. All rates are subject to change — always verify current rates directly with the bank or through Nook before applying.

Monthly Payment Comparison: Real Numbers

To understand what these rate differences mean for your wallet, let's look at a concrete example. Assume a 3,000,000 peso home loan on a 20-year term.

ScenarioRateEst. Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid
BPI (5-Year Fixed)6.50%22,3792,371,000
RCBC (Est. 5-Year Fixed)8.25%25,7183,172,000
Typical Existing Loan9.00%26,9923,478,000

Refinancing a 3,000,000 peso loan from 9.00% to BPI's 6.50% saves approximately 3,339 pesos per month and over 1,100,000 pesos in total interest over 20 years. That's a significant difference — and it costs nothing to explore through Nook.

If you're also comparing BPI against other lenders, see our BPI vs Chinabank home loan comparison for another side-by-side breakdown.

Eligibility Requirements Compared

Both banks have eligibility requirements that determine who can qualify for a home loan or refinancing. Here's how they stack up:

CriteriaBPI Family Savings BankRCBC
Minimum Monthly Income40,000Typically 50,000+*
Employment Types AcceptedPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, ProfessionalPrivate, Self-Employed (limited OFW options)*
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio40%Varies*
Typical Approval Time52 days45–75 days*

*RCBC eligibility details are indicative. Always confirm directly with the bank. BPI data reflects verified Nook partner information.

BPI's broader acceptance of employment types — particularly OFWs, seafarers, and BPO workers — gives it a meaningful edge over RCBC for many Filipino borrowers. If you are an OFW or seafarer, BPI through Nook is likely your most accessible route to a competitive refinance rate.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Finance?

Not all home loans are the same. The type of property and purpose of your loan matters when choosing a bank.

Loan PurposeBPI Family Savings BankRCBC
Refinancing✅ Yes✅ Yes
Ready for Occupancy (RFO)✅ Yes✅ Yes
Pre-Selling / Off-Plan✅ Yes✅ Yes
New Construction✅ Yes✅ Yes
Home Equity / Flexi Loan✅ Yes (6.70%)✅ Yes (rates vary)*
Foreclosed Properties✅ YesLimited*
Renovation✅ Yes✅ Yes
Reselling✅ Yes✅ Yes

BPI covers a wider range of loan purposes, including foreclosed properties — which RCBC may not readily accommodate. This makes BPI the more versatile lender for both standard refinancing and specialized property situations.

Fees and Other Costs to Watch

Interest rates aren't the only cost to consider. Processing fees, appraisal charges, and prepayment penalties can add up significantly over the life of your loan.

When comparing total cost of borrowing, always ask for a full fee schedule from both banks — or let Nook do the comparison work for you at no charge.

Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Direct?

Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker. Here's what you get when you apply for a BPI home loan through Nook instead of going to BPI directly:

The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — well below what most Filipino homeowners are currently paying on older loans. If your current rate is 7% or higher, refinancing now could save you a substantial amount over the remaining life of your loan.

Curious how BPI compares to other lenders beyond RCBC? Check out our BPI vs Maybank Philippines home loan comparison for another perspective.

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 BPI or RCBC better for home loan refinancing in the Philippines?

For most borrowers, BPI Family Savings Bank offers a stronger refinancing package — with verified rates starting at 6.50% for a 5-year fixed period, broader eligibility for different employment types (including OFWs and BPO workers), and access through Nook's free broker service. RCBC can be competitive for borrowers with an existing RCBC banking relationship, but BPI's rate transparency and wide eligibility give it the edge for refinancers.

What is BPI's current home loan interest rate?

Through Nook, BPI Family Savings Bank offers a 1-year fixed rate of 6.70% p.a. and a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. Home equity loans are available at 6.70% p.a. These rates are subject to change — contact Nook or BPI directly to confirm the latest available rates before you apply.

What is RCBC's home loan interest rate?

RCBC's home loan rates are not publicly listed as a Nook partner rate, and typically range from approximately 7.50% to 8.75% p.a. depending on the fixed period and loan profile. Always verify current rates directly with RCBC, as rates can change without notice.

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

The savings depend on your loan balance, remaining term, and current rate. For example, refinancing a 3,000,000 peso loan from 8.25% (estimated RCBC rate) to 6.50% (BPI 5-year fixed via Nook) on a 20-year term could save you approximately 3,339 pesos per month and over 800,000 pesos in total interest. Use Nook's free mortgage calculator or speak with a Nook advisor to get a personalized savings estimate.

Can OFWs apply for a BPI home loan through Nook?

Yes. BPI Family Savings Bank through Nook accepts OFW and seafarer applicants. Nook's fully digital process is especially convenient for OFWs who cannot easily visit a bank branch in person. You can complete most of the application remotely and Nook's team will guide you through the requirements.

What is the minimum income required to qualify for a BPI home loan?

BPI Family Savings Bank requires a minimum monthly income of 40,000 pesos. This applies to employed individuals, self-employed professionals, OFWs, and other eligible borrower types. RCBC's minimum income requirement is typically higher, often starting at 50,000 pesos or more depending on the loan product.

How long does BPI take to approve a home loan?

BPI Family Savings Bank typically takes around 52 days to approve a home loan from the time of complete document submission. RCBC's processing time is broadly similar, ranging from 45 to 75 days depending on the application complexity and branch workload. Applying through Nook helps ensure your documents are complete from the start, which can prevent delays.

Does Nook charge any fees for helping me compare BPI and RCBC?

No. Nook's mortgage brokerage service is completely free to borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the bank when a loan is successfully facilitated, so you never pay a broker fee. You get expert comparison, application support, and access to negotiated rates at zero cost to you.