BPI vs UnionBank Housing Loan: At a Glance
Choosing between BPI Family Savings Bank and UnionBank for your housing loan — whether you're buying a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage for a lower rate — comes down to more than just the headline interest rate. Below, we break down every key factor so you can make a confident, informed decision.
| Feature | BPI Family Savings Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed Rate | 6.70% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
| 5-Year Fixed Rate | 6.50% p.a. | Not available |
| Home Equity Rate | 6.70% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
| Min. Monthly Income | P40,000 | P30,000 |
| Max. Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | 50% |
| Typical Approval Time | ~52 days | Varies |
| Nook Partner Bank | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.
Interest Rate Comparison: How Much Could You Save?
Let's put these rates into real peso terms. Assume a home loan of 3,000,000 over a 20-year term.
Scenario: P3,000,000 Loan — 20-Year Term
| BPI (5-Year Fixed @ 6.50%) | UnionBank (1-Year Fixed @ 7.00%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Monthly Payment | ~22,383 | ~23,259 |
| Total Paid Over 5 Fixed Years | ~1,342,980 | ~1,395,540 |
| Estimated Savings vs UnionBank (5 yrs) | ~52,560 | — |
Figures are estimates for illustrative purposes based on fixed-rate period only. Actual payments depend on amortization schedule, fees, and rate repricing after the fixed period.
Over just the first five years, BPI's lower rate could save you approximately 52,560 compared to UnionBank — and that's before factoring in the compounding benefit if you refinance again at a competitive rate. If you're currently paying 8% or higher, switching to either bank through Nook could generate even greater savings.
Eligibility & Income Requirements
Both BPI and UnionBank are Nook partner banks and accept a wide range of borrower profiles, but there are meaningful differences in their qualification thresholds.
BPI Family Savings Bank
- Min. Monthly Income: P40,000
- Max. DTI: 40%
- Accepted Employment: Private sector, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
- Loan Purposes: Purchase (RFO, Pre-Selling, Reselling), Refinancing, Renovation, New Construction, Home Equity, Foreclosed
BPI is well-suited for mid-to-high income earners who want the most competitive fixed rate available and are planning to refinance or purchase a ready-for-occupancy property.
UnionBank
- Min. Monthly Income: P30,000
- Max. DTI: 50%
- Accepted Employment: Private sector, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
- Loan Purposes: Purchase (RFO, Pre-Selling, Reselling), Renovation, New Construction, Home Equity, Foreclosed
UnionBank's lower income floor and higher DTI allowance make it more accessible for first-time buyers or borrowers with existing financial obligations — though note it does not currently list refinancing as a loan purpose through Nook.
Loan Purposes: What Can You Use Each Loan For?
One important distinction: BPI explicitly supports refinancing as a loan purpose, making it the stronger option if you're looking to switch from your current bank to get a lower rate. UnionBank's listed purposes cover purchase, renovation, home equity, and construction — but refinancing is not currently listed.
If you're exploring your refinancing options and want to understand how BPI and UnionBank stack up in that context, our detailed guide on UnionBank vs BPI home loan rates for refinancing covers this in depth.
| Loan Purpose | BPI | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ready For Occupancy (RFO) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pre-Selling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reselling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Renovation | ✅ | ✅ |
| New Construction | ✅ | ✅ |
| Home Equity | ✅ | ✅ |
| Foreclosed | ✅ | ✅ |
Approval Speed & Processing
BPI Family Savings Bank has a known typical approval timeline of approximately 52 days from application to approval — a useful benchmark if you're working against a property turnover deadline or refinancing before your current lock-in period ends. UnionBank's processing timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the branch handling your case.
When you apply through Nook, our team coordinates directly with both banks on your behalf — chasing documents, following up on status, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. This can meaningfully reduce delays compared to applying on your own.
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:
- ✅ One application, multiple offers — compare BPI, UnionBank, and other partner banks side by side
- ✅ Free expert guidance — our mortgage specialists help you find the lowest rate for your profile
- ✅ End-to-end coordination — we handle the back-and-forth with the bank so you don't have to
- ✅ No hidden fees — Nook is paid by the bank, not by you
- ✅ Access to the best rate currently available: 5.99% p.a. — significantly lower than the 7–10% most Filipinos are currently paying
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing an existing loan, getting offers from both BPI and UnionBank through a single application takes less than 10 minutes.
Not sure which bank suits you?
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has a lower interest rate — BPI or UnionBank?
BPI Family Savings Bank currently offers lower rates, with a 5-year fixed rate of 6.50% p.a. and a 1-year fixed rate of 6.70% p.a. UnionBank's rate starts at 7.00% p.a. for both its 1-year fixed and home equity products. For borrowers focused on minimizing interest costs, BPI has the advantage — though rates are subject to change and you should verify current figures through Nook or directly with the bank.
Can I refinance my existing home loan with BPI or UnionBank?
Yes, BPI Family Savings Bank supports refinancing as a loan purpose through Nook. UnionBank does not currently list refinancing among its available loan purposes via Nook, making BPI the stronger choice if your goal is to switch from your current lender to get a lower rate. Nook can help you assess your eligibility and submit your application for free.
What is the minimum income requirement for BPI and UnionBank housing loans?
BPI Family Savings Bank requires a minimum monthly income of P40,000, while UnionBank has a lower threshold of P30,000 per month. If your income is between P30,000 and P39,999, UnionBank may be your only option among these two banks. Both banks accept private employees, government workers, BPO employees, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and professionals.
How long does it take to get approved for a BPI housing loan?
BPI Family Savings Bank has a typical loan approval timeline of approximately 52 days from the time you submit a complete application. Applying through Nook can help streamline the process because our team coordinates with BPI directly and ensures your documents are complete and correctly submitted from the start.
What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio allowed by BPI and UnionBank?
BPI allows a maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 40%, meaning your total monthly debt obligations — including the new housing loan — should not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income. UnionBank allows a higher DTI of up to 50%, which gives borrowers with existing loans or other financial commitments more room to qualify. If you have significant existing debt, UnionBank may be more flexible.
Is it free to apply through Nook?
Yes, Nook's service is completely free to borrowers. Nook is compensated by the partner banks — not by you — so you get expert mortgage guidance, document coordination, and access to multiple bank offers at no cost. There are no hidden fees or charges for using Nook to apply for a BPI or UnionBank housing loan.
What is the best housing loan rate available in the Philippines right now?
The lowest refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. This is significantly lower than the 7–10% that most Filipino homeowners are currently paying on their existing home loans. To find out if you qualify for this rate or something close to it, you can submit a free application through Nook and receive offers from multiple banks in one go.