First Metro Investment vs Maybank: Home Loan Overview
When comparing First Metro Investment (FMIC) and Maybank Philippines for home financing, it's important to understand what each institution actually offers. First Metro Investment Corporation is the investment banking arm of Metrobank Group. While FMIC does participate in bond and structured finance markets, it is not a primary retail home loan lender — most Filipino homeowners cannot walk in and apply for a standard housing loan directly through FMIC the way they can with a commercial bank.
Maybank Philippines, on the other hand, is a licensed commercial bank and active retail mortgage lender with published home loan rates, clear eligibility criteria, and a full suite of loan purposes including purchase, refinancing, renovation, and home equity. This makes a true apples-to-apples rate comparison difficult, but we'll give you everything you need to make an informed decision.
Note: Interest rates shown are subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with the lender or through Nook before making a financial decision.
Interest Rate Comparison
| Fixed Period | First Metro Investment | Maybank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed | Not publicly available | 7.00% p.a. |
| 3-Year Fixed | Not publicly available | 6.99% p.a. |
| 5-Year Fixed | Not publicly available | 7.50% p.a. |
| Home Equity | Not publicly available | 9.88% p.a. |
Because FMIC does not publish standard retail home loan rates — its primary mandate is investment banking, underwriting, and corporate finance — we cannot provide a direct rate comparison. Maybank's published rates are verified partner data available through Nook. Borrowers currently paying 8%, 9%, or even 10% on existing home loans could save significantly by refinancing to Maybank's 3-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a.
Sample Monthly Savings: Refinancing to Maybank at 6.99%
| Loan Amount | Current Rate (8.5%) | Maybank 3-Year Fixed (6.99%) | Est. Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000,000 | ~17,800/mo | ~15,800/mo | ~2,000/mo |
| 4,000,000 | ~35,600/mo | ~31,600/mo | ~4,000/mo |
| 6,000,000 | ~53,400/mo | ~47,400/mo | ~6,000/mo |
Estimates based on a 20-year term. Actual amounts depend on your specific loan balance, remaining term, and bank fees.
Eligibility & Requirements
| Criteria | First Metro Investment | Maybank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly Income | Not publicly stated (corporate-focused) | 40,000 |
| Maximum DTI Ratio | Not publicly stated | 40% |
| Employment Types Accepted | Primarily corporate clients | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional |
| Loan Purposes | Limited retail access | Purchase (RFO, Pre-Selling, Foreclosed), Refinance, Renovation, Home Equity, New Construction |
Maybank's eligibility is notably inclusive — covering OFWs, seafarers, BPO workers, and self-employed professionals, not just salaried employees. This breadth of accepted borrower profiles makes Maybank one of the more accessible lenders for Filipino homeowners with non-traditional income structures. If you're comparing options across digital-first lenders, you might also find our GoTyme vs SB Finance comparison helpful for context on how newer entrants stack up.
Loan Purposes Supported
One area where Maybank clearly wins is the variety of loan purposes it supports. Whether you're buying a ready-for-occupancy unit, purchasing a pre-selling property, refinancing an existing loan from another bank, renovating your home, or tapping your property's equity, Maybank has a product for you.
First Metro Investment, as an investment house, does not offer the same retail-facing flexibility. Homeowners looking to refinance an existing Metrobank Group-linked loan may want to explore Metrobank's own retail home loan division rather than FMIC directly.
The Nook Advantage: Free Broker Service
When you apply for a Maybank home loan through Nook, you pay absolutely nothing for the brokering service. Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and our service to borrowers is 100% free. We handle the paperwork, negotiate on your behalf, and connect you with the best rates from our panel of partner banks — including Maybank's current low rates starting at 6.99% p.a.
With the best refinance rate currently available through Nook at 5.99% p.a., many homeowners paying above 7% can unlock meaningful savings. Even refinancing from 8.5% to 6.99% on a 4,000,000 loan over 20 years could save you over 48,000 per year — money that stays in your pocket.
Curious how other bank pairings compare? Check out our PBCOM vs Sterling Bank comparison for another look at competitive market rates.
Processing & Application Experience
| Factor | First Metro Investment | Maybank Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application | Not available for retail borrowers | Available via Nook (free) |
| Dedicated Mortgage Broker Support | N/A | Yes — through Nook |
| Transparent Published Rates | No | Yes |
| Multiple Loan Purposes | No (retail) | Yes |
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Does First Metro Investment offer retail home loans to individual borrowers?
First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) is the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group. It primarily serves corporate and institutional clients through underwriting, bond issuance, and structured finance — not standard retail home loans. Individual borrowers looking for a housing loan from the Metrobank Group are better served by Metrobank's own retail banking division rather than FMIC directly.
What are Maybank Philippines' current home loan interest rates?
Maybank Philippines currently offers a 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a., a 3-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a., and a 5-year fixed rate of 7.50% p.a. Their home equity product is offered at 9.88% p.a. These rates are subject to change, so always confirm current rates through Nook or directly with Maybank before proceeding.
Who qualifies for a Maybank home loan in the Philippines?
Maybank accepts a wide range of borrower profiles including private employees, government workers, BPO professionals, OFWs, seafarers, self-employed individuals, and licensed professionals. The minimum monthly income requirement is 40,000 and your total debt-to-income ratio must not exceed 40%.
Can I refinance my existing home loan to Maybank through Nook?
Yes. Refinancing is one of the loan purposes Maybank supports, and you can apply for free through Nook. Nook's broker service costs nothing to the borrower — we help you compare rates, prepare documents, and submit your application to get you the best deal available. The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a.
How much can I save by refinancing to Maybank's 6.99% rate?
Your savings depend on your current rate, loan balance, and remaining term. As a rough guide: on a 4,000,000 loan over 20 years, refinancing from 8.5% to 6.99% could reduce your monthly payment by approximately 4,000 — saving you around 48,000 per year. Use Nook's free calculator or speak with a Nook advisor to get a personalized estimate.
What loan purposes does Maybank cover?
Maybank supports a comprehensive range of home loan purposes: purchasing a ready-for-occupancy (RFO) unit, buying a pre-selling property, acquiring a foreclosed property, home construction, renovation, reselling, home equity, and refinancing an existing loan from another bank.
Is Nook's mortgage broker service really free?
Yes, completely free to the borrower. Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker and we do not charge borrowers any fees for our service. We earn from our bank partners, not from you — so you get expert guidance, rate comparison, and application support at zero cost.