⚖️ Bank Comparison

EastWest Bank vs BDO

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

EastWest Bank and BDO are both strong home loan options in the Philippines, but they differ in rates, income requirements, and approval speed — here's everything you need to know to choose the right one for your situation.

Our Verdict

EastWest Bank edges out BDO for most borrowers thanks to a lower starting rate and faster approval

EastWest Bank's 1-year fixed rate of 5.99% p.a. is slightly lower than BDO's 6.00%, and its typical approval time of 19 days is significantly faster than BDO's 30 days. EastWest also has a lower minimum monthly income requirement of 40,000 versus BDO's 50,000, making it more accessible. That said, BDO's trusted brand and wide branch network make it a solid choice for borrowers who prefer dealing with the country's largest bank — and with Nook, you can apply to both at the same time for free.

EastWest Bank vs BDO Home Loan: 2026 Rate Comparison

Both EastWest Bank and BDO are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook at absolutely no cost to you. Below is a detailed, side-by-side look at how their home loan products stack up in 2026.

Fixed PeriodEastWest BankBDO
1-Year Fixed5.99% p.a.6.00% p.a.
3-Year Fixed6.25% p.a.
5-Year Fixed6.49% p.a.
7-Year Fixed7.00% p.a.
Home Equity6.25% p.a.6.00% p.a.

Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with the bank or through your Nook advisor before proceeding.

What Does the Rate Difference Actually Mean for You?

At first glance, a 0.01% difference between EastWest Bank's 5.99% and BDO's 6.00% might seem trivial — but on a large home loan over many years, it adds up. Here's a practical illustration:

Sample Loan: 3,000,000 over 20 years

  • EastWest Bank at 5.99%: Estimated monthly payment of approximately 21,478
  • BDO at 6.00%: Estimated monthly payment of approximately 21,494
  • Difference per month: approximately 16
  • Difference over 20 years: approximately 3,840

While the difference between these two banks is modest, both represent a significant improvement over the 7%–10% rates many Filipinos are currently paying. If you're refinancing from 8%, moving to either bank could save you tens of thousands of pesos per year.

For a deeper dive into the numbers, see our EastWest Bank vs BDO Home Loan 2026: Side-by-Side Rate Comparison.

Eligibility & Requirements Compared

RequirementEastWest BankBDO
Minimum Monthly Income40,00050,000
Maximum DTI Ratio40%40%
Typical Approval Time19 days30 days
Employment Types AcceptedPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, ProfessionalPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional

Both banks accept a wide range of employment types, which is great news for OFWs, self-employed borrowers, and BPO workers. The key differentiator here is the income requirement: EastWest's 40,000 minimum makes it more accessible for borrowers who may not meet BDO's 50,000 threshold.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use These Loans For?

Both EastWest Bank and BDO support a comprehensive range of home loan purposes. Here's how they compare:

Loan PurposeEastWest BankBDO
Refinancing
Ready For Occupancy (RFO)
Pre-Selling
New Construction
Renovation
Reselling
Foreclosed Properties
Home Equity

Both banks cover the full spectrum of home loan needs. Whether you're buying a brand-new condo, refinancing an existing loan, or tapping your home's equity for cash, both EastWest and BDO have you covered.

Which Bank Is Better for Refinancing?

If your primary goal is to refinance your existing home loan and reduce your monthly payments, EastWest Bank has a slight advantage due to its lower 1-year fixed rate of 5.99% and faster processing time of 19 days. For homeowners currently paying 7% or more, refinancing through EastWest could mean significant monthly savings.

However, BDO's Home Equity rate of 6.00% is competitive, and many borrowers feel more comfortable with BDO's established reputation and extensive branch presence across the Philippines. If your current bank is BDO and you're considering refinancing with them, it's still worth comparing — and Nook can help you evaluate both options side by side.

You can also explore our detailed guide on BDO vs EastWest Bank Housing Loan 2026: Rates, Fees & Approval Compared for a more granular breakdown.

Applying Through Nook: The Smarter Way to Choose

You don't have to pick just one bank and hope for the best. Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and our service is 100% free to borrowers. Here's what applying through Nook gets you:

Whether EastWest Bank or BDO is the right fit, Nook handles the paperwork, follows up with the bank, and guides you from application to approval — at zero cost to you.

Not sure which bank suits you?

Nook compares offers from 15+ banks for free. See your personalised options.

Compare My Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EastWest Bank's current home loan rate?

EastWest Bank's current home loan rate starts at 5.99% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period. They also offer 6.25% for 3-year fixed, 6.49% for 5-year fixed, and 7.00% for 7-year fixed. These rates are subject to change, so it's best to verify the latest figures through Nook or directly with the bank.

What is BDO's current home loan rate?

BDO's home loan rate starts at 6.00% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period. BDO also offers a Home Equity rate of 6.00% p.a. Rates are subject to change — always confirm current rates before applying.

Which bank has a lower home loan rate — EastWest or BDO?

EastWest Bank has a marginally lower starting rate at 5.99% p.a. compared to BDO's 6.00% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period. EastWest also offers longer fixed-rate options (3, 5, and 7 years), giving borrowers more flexibility to lock in a rate.

How long does it take to get approved for a home loan at EastWest vs BDO?

EastWest Bank typically approves home loans in around 19 days, while BDO's typical approval time is approximately 30 days. If speed is important to you — for example, if you have a deadline to meet on a property purchase — EastWest may be the better choice.

What is the minimum income requirement for EastWest Bank vs BDO home loans?

EastWest Bank requires a minimum monthly income of 40,000, while BDO requires a minimum of 50,000. If your income is between these two figures, EastWest Bank may be your only option among the two. Nook can help you determine which bank you qualify for based on your specific financial profile.

Can I apply to both EastWest Bank and BDO at the same time?

Yes — and this is exactly what Nook recommends. By applying through Nook, you can be evaluated against both banks simultaneously. Nook submits your application to the most suitable lender (or multiple lenders) and helps you compare actual offers before you commit. This service is completely free to you as a borrower.

Is EastWest Bank or BDO better for refinancing a home loan?

Both banks support home loan refinancing. EastWest Bank offers a slight edge with its lower 5.99% starting rate and faster 19-day approval. However, BDO is also competitive and may be preferred by borrowers who already bank with BDO or want the reassurance of dealing with the Philippines' largest bank. The best choice depends on your income, loan amount, and current financial situation — Nook can help you evaluate both.

Is Nook's service really free?

Yes, Nook's mortgage brokering service is 100% free to borrowers. Nook is compensated by the partner banks, not by you. You get expert advice, application support, and access to multiple banks — all at no cost.