⚖️ Bank Comparison

CIMB vs RCBC

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

Choosing between CIMB and RCBC for your home loan? We break down their rates, fees, and eligibility requirements so you can find the best deal — and show you how refinancing through Nook could save you hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Our Verdict

RCBC Edges Out CIMB for Most Filipino Home Loan Borrowers

RCBC offers a competitive 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. and accepts a wide range of borrower profiles — including OFWs, self-employed professionals, and private employees — making it the more accessible and flexible choice for most Filipino homeowners. CIMB, while a growing digital bank presence in the Philippines, does not currently offer a standard home loan product comparable to RCBC's full suite of mortgage options. If you're looking to refinance and lower your monthly payments, RCBC through Nook is a strong starting point — and our brokers can match you with the best available rate at no cost to you.

CIMB vs RCBC Home Loan: Overview

CIMB Bank Philippines has made a strong impression as a digital bank with competitive savings and personal loan products. However, as of this writing, CIMB does not offer a dedicated home loan or mortgage product in the Philippines. This is an important distinction for borrowers who are specifically searching for a housing loan or refinancing option.

RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation), on the other hand, is a full-service universal bank with a well-established home loan program. It is also a Nook partner bank, meaning you can apply through Nook's free digital broker service and get access to RCBC's current rates without paying any broker fees.

If you are currently paying a home loan rate of 7% or higher with another bank, refinancing to RCBC through Nook could meaningfully reduce your monthly amortization. Most Filipino homeowners are paying between 7% and 10% — refinancing to 5.99% p.a. (the best rate currently available through Nook) could save you tens of thousands of pesos per year.

RCBC Home Loan Rates and Terms

FeatureRCBC Home Loan
1-Year Fixed Rate7.00% p.a.
Home Equity Rate8.00% p.a.
Minimum Monthly Income50,000
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio30%
Typical Approval Time49 days
Eligible Employment TypesPrivate Employee, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
Loan Purposes AcceptedRefinancing, Home Equity, RFO, Pre-Selling, Reselling, Foreclosed

RCBC's 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. is competitive among Philippine universal banks. For borrowers with a 3,000,000 home loan over 20 years, a reduction from 9% to 7% translates to a monthly savings of approximately 3,800 pesos — or around 45,600 pesos per year.

You can also compare First Metro Investment vs RCBC home loan rates or see how Bank of Commerce stacks up against RCBC if you want a broader picture of where RCBC sits in the market.

CIMB Home Loan: What You Need to Know

CIMB Bank Philippines is a subsidiary of CIMB Group, one of Southeast Asia's leading banking groups. In the Philippines, CIMB has focused primarily on digital savings accounts, personal loans, and credit products — and has attracted millions of users with its high-yield savings offerings.

However, CIMB currently does not offer a home loan product in the Philippines. If you came to this page looking for a CIMB mortgage rate, you will need to consider other lenders. Nook works with multiple partner banks, including RCBC, to help you find the best refinance rate available for your situation — at zero cost to you.

It's worth noting that the digital banking landscape in the Philippines is evolving rapidly. Should CIMB introduce a home loan product in the future, we will update this comparison. In the meantime, exploring options through Nook ensures you are comparing real, live rates from banks that are actively lending.

Monthly Amortization Comparison: RCBC vs Paying Too Much

To illustrate the potential savings from refinancing to RCBC through Nook, here is a sample calculation for a 3,000,000 home loan over 20 years:

ScenarioInterest RateEst. Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid
Current (High-Rate Bank)9.50% p.a.approximately 27,900approximately 3,696,000
RCBC via Nook7.00% p.a.approximately 23,260approximately 2,582,400
Best Nook Rate5.99% p.a.approximately 21,470approximately 2,152,800

These figures are illustrative estimates. Actual amortization depends on your outstanding principal, remaining term, and the repricing schedule offered by your new bank. Use Nook's free mortgage calculator or speak to a Nook advisor for a personalized computation.

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

Who Should Consider Refinancing to RCBC?

If your minimum monthly income is at least 50,000 pesos and your debt obligations do not exceed 30% of your gross income, you are likely eligible to apply for an RCBC home loan through Nook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does CIMB offer a home loan in the Philippines?

As of this writing, CIMB Bank Philippines does not offer a home loan or mortgage product. CIMB is primarily focused on digital savings accounts and personal loans in the Philippine market. If you are looking for a home loan or refinancing option, you will need to consider other banks. Nook can help you compare rates from multiple partner banks for free.

What is RCBC's current home loan interest rate?

RCBC currently offers a 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. for standard home loans and 8.00% p.a. for home equity loans. These rates are subject to change, so we recommend verifying the latest rates through Nook or directly with RCBC before applying.

How long does RCBC take to approve a home loan?

RCBC's typical loan approval timeline is approximately 49 days from the time a complete application is submitted. This includes document review, property appraisal, and credit evaluation. Applying through Nook can help streamline the process since Nook's advisors ensure your documents are complete and properly prepared before submission.

Can OFWs apply for an RCBC home loan?

Yes. RCBC accepts OFW and seafarer applicants for its home loan program. This makes RCBC a strong option for Overseas Filipino Workers who want to invest in property back home or refinance an existing mortgage. Nook can assist OFW applicants with the documentation process remotely.

Is it free to apply for a home loan through Nook?

Yes, Nook's service is 100% free to the borrower. Nook is a digital mortgage broker that earns a referral fee from partner banks upon successful loan disbursement — you pay nothing for the advisory and application assistance. This means you get access to multiple bank options and expert guidance at no extra cost.

What is the minimum income requirement for an RCBC home loan?

RCBC requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000 pesos for home loan applicants. Your total monthly debt obligations, including the proposed home loan amortization, should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.

Can I refinance my existing home loan to RCBC?

Yes. Refinancing is one of the loan purposes explicitly supported by RCBC's home loan program. If you are currently paying a higher rate at another bank, you can transfer your outstanding balance to RCBC and potentially lower your monthly amortization. Nook specializes in home loan refinancing and can walk you through the entire process for free.