EastWest Bank vs Security Bank: Rate Comparison at a Glance
Both banks are verified Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook's free broker service with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Below are their current advertised home loan refinancing rates.
| Fixed Period | EastWest Bank | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed | 5.99% p.a. | 6.99% p.a. |
| 3-Year Fixed | 6.25% p.a. | N/A |
| 5-Year Fixed | 6.49% p.a. | 6.75% p.a. |
| 7-Year Fixed | 7.00% p.a. | N/A |
| Home Equity | 6.25% p.a. | 7.50% p.a. |
Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with the bank or through your Nook advisor before proceeding.
Monthly Payment Comparison: Real Numbers on a 3,000,000 Loan
To make this practical, here's what a borrower refinancing a 3,000,000 home loan over 20 years would pay monthly under each bank's 1-year and 5-year fixed rates. After the fixed period, rates reprice — but locking in a lower rate now gives you immediate monthly savings.
| Scenario | EastWest Bank | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed (Monthly) | ~21,930 | ~23,210 |
| 5-Year Fixed (Monthly) | ~22,550 | ~23,580 |
On a 1-year fixed rate, EastWest Bank saves you approximately 1,280 per month compared to Security Bank — that's over 15,360 in savings in just the first year. Over a 5-year fixed period, EastWest Bank still saves roughly 1,030 per month versus Security Bank's 5-year rate.
If your current rate is between 7% and 10% — which is where most Filipino homeowners sit today — switching to EastWest Bank's 5.99% rate could save you 2,000 to 6,000 per month depending on your loan balance. For a full picture of your potential savings, see our EastWest Bank housing loan guide with calculator.
Eligibility & Requirements Compared
Rates only matter if you qualify. Here's how the two banks compare on borrower eligibility:
| Requirement | EastWest Bank | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly Income | 40,000 | 50,000 |
| Max Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | 40% |
| Typical Approval Time | 19 days | 23 days |
| Private Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Government Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| BPO Workers | ✓ | ✓ |
| OFW / Seafarers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professionals | ✓ | ✓ |
| Freelancers | ✗ | ✓ |
EastWest Bank's lower minimum income threshold of 40,000/month makes it accessible to a wider range of Filipino borrowers, including those in the provinces or with more modest household incomes. Security Bank requires a minimum of 50,000/month but extends eligibility to freelancers — a group EastWest does not explicitly accept.
EastWest Bank also processes applications faster on average at 19 days versus Security Bank's 23 days, which can matter if you're on a tight timeline to refinance before your lock-in period ends.
Loan Purposes: What Each Bank Allows
Both banks cover a broad range of home loan purposes through Nook, making them versatile for refinancing and beyond:
| Loan Purpose | EastWest Bank | Security Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Home Equity / Cash-Out | ✓ (6.25%) | ✓ (7.50%) |
| Ready for Occupancy (RFO) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Selling | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Construction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renovation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reselling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreclosed Property | ✓ | ✓ |
For homeowners looking to tap into their property's equity, EastWest Bank's home equity rate of 6.25% p.a. is significantly more competitive than Security Bank's 7.50% p.a. — a difference of 125 basis points that adds up meaningfully over time.
Which Bank Is Better for Refinancing?
For pure refinancing — switching your existing home loan to a lower rate — EastWest Bank is the stronger choice for most borrowers. Its 1-year fixed rate of 5.99% p.a. is the lowest currently available through Nook, its income requirement is more accessible, and its approval timeline is faster.
Security Bank makes more sense if you:
- Are a freelancer or independent contractor who doesn't qualify under EastWest Bank's employment categories
- Prefer a 5-year fixed rate and are comfortable with Security Bank's 6.75% pricing
- Have a household income above 50,000/month and want to compare offers from both banks before deciding
The good news: through Nook, you don't have to choose just one. Our advisors can submit your application to multiple partner banks simultaneously, letting you compare actual loan offers side by side — all at no cost to you. You can also compare how EastWest stacks up against other lenders in our Robinsons Bank vs EastWest Bank comparison.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has the lower home loan rate — EastWest Bank or Security Bank?
EastWest Bank currently offers the lower headline rate. Its 1-year fixed rate is 5.99% p.a. compared to Security Bank's 6.99% p.a. For a 5-year fixed period, EastWest Bank is also lower at 6.49% p.a. versus Security Bank's 6.75% p.a. Rates are subject to change, so confirm current pricing with your Nook advisor.
Can I apply to both EastWest Bank and Security Bank at the same time?
Yes — through Nook, you can apply to multiple partner banks simultaneously at no cost to you. This means you can receive actual loan offers from both banks and compare them side by side before committing. Your Nook advisor will guide you through the process and help you pick the best offer.
What is the minimum income requirement for EastWest Bank vs Security Bank?
EastWest Bank requires a minimum monthly income of 40,000, while Security Bank requires 50,000. If your household income is between 40,000 and 49,999 per month, EastWest Bank may be your only option between the two banks. Both banks assess your debt-to-income ratio with a maximum of 40%.
Does Security Bank accept freelancers for home loans?
Yes, Security Bank explicitly accepts freelancers as an eligible employment type for home loans. EastWest Bank does not list freelancers among its accepted borrower profiles, so if you work as a freelancer, Security Bank may be the better fit for you between these two options.
How long does it take to get approved for a home loan refinance at each bank?
EastWest Bank typically processes refinancing applications in around 19 days, while Security Bank takes approximately 23 days. Both timelines are estimates and can vary depending on the completeness of your documents and the complexity of your application. Nook helps ensure your documents are complete before submission to avoid delays.
How much can I save by refinancing to EastWest Bank's 5.99% rate?
If you currently have a 3,000,000 loan balance at 8.5% over 20 years, you're likely paying around 26,000 per month. Refinancing to EastWest Bank's 5.99% rate would bring that down to approximately 21,930 per month — saving you roughly 4,000 per month or 48,000 per year. Your actual savings depend on your current rate, loan balance, and remaining term.
Is Nook's service really free for borrowers?
Yes, Nook's mortgage brokering service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the bank when your loan is approved, so you pay nothing extra for access to lower rates, expert advice, and a streamlined application process. The rate you get through Nook is the same as — or better than — going directly to the bank.