⚖️ Bank Comparison

BPI vs UnionBank

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

BPI Family Savings Bank offers fixed rates starting at 6.50% p.a., while UnionBank starts at 7.00% p.a. — comparing both side by side through Nook could save you hundreds of thousands of pesos over your loan term.

Our Verdict

BPI Edges Out UnionBank on Rate, But UnionBank Wins on Income Flexibility

For most borrowers focused on minimizing interest costs, BPI Family Savings Bank's 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. is the stronger option — especially for refinancing. However, UnionBank's lower minimum income requirement of 30,000/month and higher allowable DTI of 50% make it the more accessible choice for borrowers with tighter financials. Apply through Nook for free to get matched with the right bank for your situation.

BPI vs UnionBank Home Loan: Rate Comparison

Both BPI Family Savings Bank and UnionBank are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook's free broker service. Here's how their published home loan rates compare:

Fixed PeriodBPI Family Savings BankUnionBank
1-Year Fixed6.70% p.a.7.00% p.a.
5-Year Fixed6.50% p.a.Not offered
Home Equity6.70% p.a.7.00% p.a.

Interest rates are subject to change. Please verify current rates with each bank or through your Nook advisor before applying.

Monthly Repayment Comparison: How Much Could You Save?

To illustrate the real-world impact of these rate differences, here's a side-by-side monthly repayment estimate on a 3,000,000 home loan over 20 years:

ScenarioBPI (5-Year Fixed @ 6.50%)UnionBank (1-Year Fixed @ 7.00%)
Loan Amount3,000,0003,000,000
Loan Term20 years20 years
Monthly Payment (est.)~22,370~23,259
Total Interest Paid (est.)~2,368,800~2,582,160

That's an estimated difference of around 213,360 in total interest over 20 years — simply by choosing BPI's 5-year fixed product through Nook. Of course, your actual repayment will depend on your final approved rate, loan tenure, and any applicable fees.

If you're currently paying 8% or more with another bank, refinancing to either BPI or UnionBank through Nook could yield even greater savings. Many Filipino homeowners are still on rates between 7% and 10% — refinancing is one of the fastest ways to reduce your monthly outgoings.

Eligibility Requirements: BPI vs UnionBank

Qualifying criteria differ between the two banks, and this can be a deciding factor for many borrowers. Here's a quick breakdown:

RequirementBPI Family Savings BankUnionBank
Minimum Monthly Income40,00030,000
Maximum DTI Ratio40%50%
Typical Approval Time~52 daysNot specified

UnionBank is notably more accessible for borrowers with lower incomes or existing debt obligations. With a minimum monthly income of just 30,000 and a DTI ceiling of 50%, more applicants may qualify. BPI's 40,000 minimum and 40% DTI threshold are stricter — but in exchange, BPI offers lower interest rates and more fixed-rate term options.

Employment Types Accepted

Both banks accept a wide range of employment types, making them suitable for most Filipino borrowers:

Employment TypeBPI Family Savings BankUnionBank
Private Employee
Government Employee
BPO Worker
OFW / Seafarer
Self-Employed
Professional

Whether you're an OFW, a salaried employee, or running your own business, both BPI and UnionBank have pathways for you. Nook's advisors can help determine which bank is more likely to approve your application based on your specific employment profile.

Loan Purposes Covered

BPI Family Savings Bank supports a slightly broader range of loan purposes than UnionBank:

Loan PurposeBPI Family Savings BankUnionBank
Refinancing
Home Equity
Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
Pre-Selling
New Construction
Renovation
Reselling
Foreclosed Property

If you're looking to refinance your existing home loan, BPI is the clear choice — UnionBank does not currently offer refinancing through Nook. For all other purposes, both banks are competitive options worth comparing. You can also check out our BPI vs Chinabank home loan comparison if you'd like to explore more alternatives alongside BPI.

Why Apply Through Nook Instead of Going Direct?

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

Whether you're a first-time buyer, an OFW sending money home to service a mortgage, or an existing homeowner looking to reduce monthly payments through refinancing, Nook makes the process simpler and more transparent. If you're also considering other BPI alternatives, our BPI vs Maybank Philippines comparison is worth a read.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for home loan refinancing — BPI or UnionBank?

BPI Family Savings Bank is the better choice for refinancing. It explicitly supports home loan refinancing as a loan purpose and offers a competitive 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. UnionBank does not currently offer refinancing through Nook, so if refinancing is your goal, BPI is the clear winner.

What is BPI's home loan interest rate in the Philippines?

Through Nook, BPI Family Savings Bank offers a 1-year fixed rate of 6.70% p.a., a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a., and a home equity rate of 6.70% p.a. These rates are subject to change — verify the latest rates with Nook or BPI directly before applying.

What is UnionBank's home loan interest rate?

UnionBank offers a 1-year fixed home loan rate of 7.00% p.a. and a home equity rate of 7.00% p.a. through Nook. Rates are subject to change, so confirm current pricing before submitting an application.

Can I apply to both BPI and UnionBank at the same time through Nook?

Yes. Nook can help you explore options from both banks simultaneously. Our advisors will assess your financial profile and recommend the best fit — and since Nook's service is free to borrowers, there's no cost to comparing your options.

Which bank has a lower income requirement — BPI or UnionBank?

UnionBank has a lower minimum monthly income requirement of 30,000, compared to BPI Family Savings Bank's requirement of 40,000. If your monthly income is between 30,000 and 39,999, UnionBank may be the more accessible option.

How long does BPI take to approve a home loan?

BPI Family Savings Bank typically takes around 52 days for home loan approval. Nook helps manage the documentation and follow-up process to help keep your application on track.

Is Nook's service free when applying for a BPI or UnionBank home loan?

Yes, Nook's mortgage brokering service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the bank when a loan is successfully settled, meaning you receive expert guidance and bank comparison at no cost to you.

Can OFWs apply for a home loan through BPI or UnionBank via Nook?

Yes. Both BPI Family Savings Bank and UnionBank accept OFW and seafarer applicants. Nook can help guide overseas Filipino workers through the remote application process, including documentation requirements specific to OFW borrowers.