⚖️ Bank Comparison

BPI Family Savings Bank vs Security Bank

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

BPI and Security Bank both offer competitive home loans, but they differ significantly in approval speed, income requirements, and interest rates — here's how to figure out which one is more likely to approve your application.

Our Verdict

BPI is easier to qualify for; Security Bank is faster to approve

BPI Family Savings Bank has a lower minimum income requirement (40,000/month vs Security Bank's 50,000/month), making it more accessible for a wider range of Filipino borrowers. However, if you meet Security Bank's requirements, their 23-day typical approval timeline is significantly faster than BPI's 52 days — a meaningful difference if you're working toward a deadline. Through Nook, you can apply to both banks for free and let your profile determine the best fit.

BPI vs Security Bank Home Loan: Side-by-Side Overview

Both BPI Family Savings Bank and Security Bank are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook at no cost to you. Below, we break down how they compare across the factors that matter most to home loan applicants in 2026.

FeatureBPI Family Savings BankSecurity Bank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.70% p.a.6.99% p.a.
3-Year Fixed RateN/A7.25% p.a.
5-Year Fixed Rate6.50% p.a.7.75% p.a.
Home Equity Rate6.70% p.a.7.50% p.a.
Min. Monthly Income40,00050,000
Typical Approval Time52 days23 days
Max Debt-to-Income Ratio40%40%
Freelancers AcceptedNoYes
OFW/Seafarer AcceptedYesYes
Self-Employed AcceptedYesYes

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

Interest Rates Compared: Which Bank is Cheaper?

For most borrowers, BPI Family Savings Bank offers lower headline rates — particularly on the 5-year fixed term, where BPI comes in at 6.50% p.a. versus Security Bank's 7.75% p.a. That's a 1.25 percentage point difference, which translates to real peso savings over your loan term.

To illustrate: on a loan of 3,000,000 over 20 years, a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% results in a monthly amortization of approximately 22,382 during the fixed period. At Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate of 7.75%, the same loan would cost approximately 24,737 per month — a difference of around 2,355 every month, or 28,260 per year.

For shorter fixed periods, the gap narrows. BPI's 1-year fixed rate is 6.70% versus Security Bank's 6.99% — still a 0.29 percentage point advantage for BPI, but less dramatic. Security Bank does offer a 3-year fixed option at 7.25%, which BPI does not, giving borrowers a middle-ground repricing period that BPI cannot match.

If rate minimization is your top priority, BPI holds the edge — especially on the 5-year fixed. If you want more repricing flexibility, Security Bank's 3-year option adds a tier that BPI doesn't offer. For a deeper look at how these rates compare in refinancing scenarios, see our BPI vs Security Bank refinance rate comparison.

Approval Requirements: Which Bank is Easier to Qualify For?

This is where the two banks diverge most meaningfully for everyday borrowers.

Minimum Monthly Income

BPI requires a minimum monthly income of 40,000, while Security Bank sets the bar at 50,000. For households earning between 40,000 and 49,999 per month, BPI may be the only realistic option of the two. This makes BPI more accessible to mid-income earners, government employees, and those in provincial areas where salaries tend to be lower than Metro Manila averages.

Employment Types Accepted

Security Bank accepts a broader range of employment types — notably, it accepts freelancers, which BPI does not. Both banks accept private employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs and seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals. If you're a freelancer with a strong income track record, Security Bank is likely your better path.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Both banks cap your total monthly debt obligations (including the new home loan) at 40% of your gross monthly income. This is a standard threshold in Philippine banking. At 40,000 minimum income (BPI), that means your maximum allowable monthly amortization plus existing debts cannot exceed 16,000. At 50,000 income (Security Bank), the cap is 20,000.

Loan Purposes

Both banks support a wide range of purposes: refinancing, home equity, new construction, pre-selling units, ready-for-occupancy (RFO) properties, foreclosed properties, reselling, and renovation. There is no meaningful difference here — both banks cover the full spectrum of home loan needs.

Approval Speed: How Fast Can You Get Your Loan?

Security Bank's typical approval timeline of 23 days is one of the fastest among Philippine banks — and significantly quicker than BPI's typical 52 days. If you're refinancing with a rate lock deadline, purchasing a property with a seller who won't wait, or simply want certainty sooner, Security Bank's processing speed is a genuine competitive advantage.

BPI's 52-day timeline is not unusual for Philippine banks, but it does mean nearly two months from application to approval. During this window, interest rates could shift, seller patience could wear thin, or your financial situation could change. Plan your timeline accordingly if you choose BPI.

It's worth noting that approval timelines can vary based on document completeness, property appraisal scheduling, and individual underwriting circumstances. Submitting a complete application through Nook — where our team reviews your documents before submission — can help minimize unnecessary delays with either bank.

Monthly Amortization Examples

The table below shows estimated monthly amortizations for a 20-year loan at each bank's 5-year fixed rate. These figures are illustrative and based on a fully amortizing loan structure.

Loan AmountBPI @ 6.50% (5-yr fixed)Security Bank @ 7.75% (5-yr fixed)Monthly Savings with BPI
1,500,00011,19112,3691,178
3,000,00022,38224,7372,355
5,000,00037,30341,2293,926
8,000,00059,68565,9666,281

These are estimates only. Actual amortizations depend on your approved rate, loan term, and any applicable fees. Use Nook's free calculator or speak with a Nook advisor for a personalized computation.

Refinancing: Which Bank Should You Choose?

If you're currently paying 8% or more on an existing home loan — which is the case for many Filipino homeowners — refinancing to either BPI or Security Bank could generate meaningful savings. BPI's 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% is particularly compelling for refinancers who want rate certainty over a longer period at a lower cost.

Security Bank's faster processing makes it attractive for refinancers who want to lock in savings quickly. And if you're a freelancer looking to refinance, Security Bank's inclusion of freelance income earners is a significant qualifier that BPI does not match.

For a detailed breakdown of how these banks compare specifically in refinancing scenarios, our BPI vs Security Bank housing loan refinance rate guide covers the numbers in depth.

Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers. We work with both BPI and Security Bank, and we can help you identify which bank is more likely to approve your profile — before you spend time gathering documents for a bank that may not be the right fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which bank has lower interest rates — BPI or Security Bank?

BPI Family Savings Bank generally offers lower rates. Their 5-year fixed rate is 6.50% p.a. compared to Security Bank's 7.75% p.a. — a difference of 1.25 percentage points. On a 1-year fixed basis, BPI is at 6.70% versus Security Bank's 6.99%. However, rates are subject to change, so always verify current rates before applying. Security Bank does offer a 3-year fixed option at 7.25% that BPI does not have.

Which bank is easier to get approved for?

It depends on your profile. BPI has a lower minimum income requirement — 40,000 per month versus Security Bank's 50,000 — making it more accessible for mid-income earners. However, Security Bank accepts freelancers while BPI does not, so self-employed individuals without a registered business may find Security Bank more accommodating. Both banks have a 40% maximum debt-to-income ratio.

Which bank approves home loans faster?

Security Bank is significantly faster, with a typical approval time of 23 days. BPI typically takes around 52 days. If you have a time-sensitive purchase or want to refinance and start saving sooner, Security Bank has a clear advantage in processing speed.

Can OFWs apply to both BPI and Security Bank for a home loan?

Yes. Both BPI Family Savings Bank and Security Bank accept OFWs and seafarers as borrowers. You will typically need to provide proof of overseas employment, remittance records, and an authorized representative in the Philippines. Nook can guide you through the OFW application process for either bank.

Can I use a BPI or Security Bank home loan for refinancing?

Yes, both banks support refinancing as a loan purpose. If your current home loan is at 8% or higher, refinancing to BPI's 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% or Security Bank's 1-year fixed rate of 6.99% could reduce your monthly amortization significantly. Nook specializes in home loan refinancing and can help you calculate your potential savings for free.

Does Security Bank accept freelancers for home loans?

Yes, Security Bank accepts freelancers, which is relatively uncommon among Philippine banks. BPI Family Savings Bank does not include freelancers in its accepted employment types. If you work as a freelancer and have documented income, Security Bank may be your stronger option between the two.

Is Nook's service free when applying to BPI or Security Bank?

Yes, Nook's mortgage brokerage service is 100% free to borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank upon successful loan disbursement — you pay nothing extra. You get access to Nook's team of advisors, document review support, and the ability to compare multiple banks in a single application process.

What loan amounts can I borrow from BPI or Security Bank?

Both banks offer home loans across a wide range of amounts, typically from around 1,000,000 up to several million pesos depending on the property value, your income, and your debt-to-income ratio. The maximum loan amount is generally capped at a percentage of the appraised property value (loan-to-value ratio). Nook can help you estimate how much you may qualify for based on your specific income and financial profile.