Maya Bank vs SB Finance: Home Loan Overview
Both Maya Bank and SB Finance position themselves as modern, borrower-friendly lenders targeting Filipinos who may find traditional bank processes too slow or rigid. However, their home loan products serve somewhat different profiles. SB Finance (the consumer lending arm of Security Bank) has a well-established home loan product with clear terms and broad market reach. Maya Bank, the digital bank formerly known as PayMaya, is a BSP-licensed digital bank that has expanded into lending — though its dedicated home loan product has more limited public documentation and availability compared to legacy and semi-legacy lenders.
For borrowers considering refinancing, this distinction matters a great deal. A lender with transparent published rates, proven processing times, and a track record in mortgage handling is significantly less risky to commit to for a 15–25 year loan term.
Interest Rates Compared
| Feature | Maya Bank | SB Finance | Nook (Best Available) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Interest Rate | ~7.00% p.a. (indicative) | ~6.75% p.a. (fixed) | 5.99% p.a. |
| Rate Type | Variable / indicative | Fixed for 1–5 years | Fixed (term varies by bank) |
| Re-pricing Period | Annual (indicative) | Every 1, 2, 3, or 5 years | Depends on chosen bank |
| Spread After Fixed Period | Not publicly disclosed | Based on prevailing BVAL + spread | Negotiated by Nook |
SB Finance publishes more transparent rate structures, making it easier to compute your actual monthly amortization and total interest cost over the life of the loan. Maya Bank's home loan rates are harder to verify from publicly available sources, which adds uncertainty for borrowers planning long-term.
Example: ₱3,000,000 loan over 20 years
- At 7.00% (Maya Bank indicative): approximately 23,259 per month
- At 6.75% (SB Finance): approximately 22,782 per month
- At 5.99% (Nook best rate): approximately 21,474 per month
The difference between SB Finance and Nook's best rate is roughly 1,308 per month — or over 313,920 in savings over 20 years. That's real money back in your pocket at zero cost to apply.
Loan Amounts and Terms
| Feature | Maya Bank | SB Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Loan Amount | Not publicly specified | 500,000 |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Not publicly specified | Up to 80% of appraised value |
| Loan Term | Up to 20 years (indicative) | Up to 20 years |
| LTV Ratio | Not publicly disclosed | Up to 80% |
SB Finance clearly publishes its loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and minimum amounts, giving borrowers a clear starting point for planning. Maya Bank's home loan parameters are less prominently advertised, which can create friction early in the application process.
Fees and Charges
| Fee | Maya Bank | SB Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | Not publicly disclosed | Varies (typically 3,500–5,000) |
| Appraisal Fee | Not publicly disclosed | Charged separately (varies by property) |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | Borrower's responsibility | Borrower's responsibility |
| Mortgage Registration | Borrower's responsibility | Borrower's responsibility |
| Early Repayment Penalty | Not publicly disclosed | Yes, within fixed-rate period |
One important note: government-mandated fees like Documentary Stamp Tax and mortgage registration fees apply regardless of which bank you choose. What differs is the lender's own processing and appraisal charges, and how transparently these are communicated upfront.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Maya Bank | SB Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years old | 21 years old |
| Maximum Age at Loan End | 65 years old (indicative) | 65 years old |
| Employment Type | Employed / Self-employed | Employed, self-employed, OFW |
| Minimum Monthly Income | Not publicly specified | Approximately 40,000 (indicative) |
| OFW Eligibility | Limited / unclear | Yes, with co-borrower option |
SB Finance has a more clearly defined eligibility framework and explicitly caters to OFWs, which is a significant advantage for a large segment of Filipino borrowers. If you're comparing niche digital bank options, you might also find our Asia United Bank vs Tonik comparison useful, as Tonik is another digital bank navigating a similar space.
Application Process
| Step | Maya Bank | SB Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Application Channel | Maya app / online | Online, branch, or broker |
| Document Submission | Digital | Digital or physical |
| Approval Timeline | Not publicly specified | Typically 5–10 banking days |
| Dedicated Loan Officer | App-based support | Yes |
Maya Bank's fully digital approach may appeal to tech-savvy borrowers, but for a mortgage — the largest financial commitment most Filipinos will ever make — having a dedicated loan officer who can guide you through documentation, title issues, and appraisal is genuinely valuable. SB Finance scores higher here.
When comparing SB Finance against other lenders in the same tier, it's also worth checking our PSBank vs SB Finance comparison to see how SB Finance stacks up against another well-regarded mid-tier bank.
Refinancing with Nook vs Going Direct
Whether you're currently with Maya Bank, SB Finance, or any other lender, refinancing your home loan through Nook gives you access to the best available rates from across the Philippine banking market — all in one free application. Nook's current best refinance rate is 5.99% p.a., which is meaningfully lower than what either Maya Bank or SB Finance currently advertises.
Here's what makes Nook different:
- Free for borrowers — Nook is compensated by banks, not by you
- Multi-bank comparison — one application, multiple offers
- Expert guidance — a dedicated mortgage specialist handles your case
- Faster processing — Nook's bank relationships streamline approvals
If your current rate is above 6.50% p.a., refinancing through Nook is almost certainly worth exploring. Use the calculator on this page to see your potential savings instantly.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maya Bank a legitimate home loan provider in the Philippines?
Maya Bank is a BSP-licensed digital bank in the Philippines and does offer lending products. However, its dedicated home loan product has limited publicly available documentation compared to more established lenders like SB Finance. If you're considering a mortgage, it's worth speaking directly with Maya Bank to confirm current rates, terms, and eligibility before committing.
What is SB Finance's current home loan interest rate?
SB Finance offers home loan rates starting at approximately 6.75% p.a. for a fixed-rate period of 1 to 5 years. After the fixed period, the rate re-prices based on prevailing market benchmarks. For the most up-to-date rates, visit SB Finance's website or apply through Nook, where you can compare SB Finance's offer against other lenders at no cost.
Can I refinance my home loan from Maya Bank or SB Finance through Nook?
Yes. If you currently have a home loan with Maya Bank, SB Finance, or any other Philippine bank, you can refinance through Nook to access lower rates — currently as low as 5.99% p.a. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers. You simply apply once and Nook matches you with the best available refinance offers from its partner banks.
How much can I save by refinancing from SB Finance's rate to Nook's best rate?
On a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, refinancing from SB Finance's indicative 6.75% p.a. rate to Nook's best rate of 5.99% p.a. could save you approximately 1,308 per month, or over 313,920 over the life of the loan. The exact savings depend on your remaining loan balance, current rate, and remaining term.
Which is better for OFWs — Maya Bank or SB Finance home loans?
SB Finance explicitly accommodates OFW borrowers and allows co-borrower arrangements to help meet income requirements. Maya Bank's OFW eligibility is less clearly defined in publicly available materials. For OFWs seeking a home loan, SB Finance is currently the more accessible and transparent option of the two — though applying through Nook gives OFWs access to an even wider range of lender options.
What documents do I need to apply for a home loan with SB Finance?
SB Finance typically requires a completed application form, valid government-issued IDs, proof of income (payslips, ITR, or employment certificate for employed borrowers; audited financial statements for self-employed), bank statements, and property documents including a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) and tax declaration. Document requirements may vary based on your employment type and the property being financed.
How long does SB Finance take to approve a home loan?
SB Finance typically processes home loan applications within 5 to 10 banking days for initial approval, subject to complete document submission and satisfactory property appraisal. The full loan release process, including title transfer and mortgage registration, typically takes several additional weeks. Applying through a broker like Nook can help streamline the process.
Are there any fees to use Nook to compare Maya Bank and SB Finance?
No. Nook's mortgage comparison and brokering service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the banks when a loan is successfully placed, so you pay nothing to get expert help comparing your options and securing the best available rate.