⚖️ Bank Comparison

Maya Bank vs UCPB

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

Maya Bank and UCPB take very different approaches to home lending — one is a fully digital challenger bank, the other a traditional lender now absorbed into Landbank. Before you commit to either, see how their rates, fees, and flexibility stack up so you can make the most of your biggest financial decision.

Our Verdict

Neither Maya Bank nor UCPB offers the sharpest home loan rates in the market — refinancing through Nook could save you significantly more.

UCPB has been fully merged into Landbank as of 2022, meaning new UCPB-branded home loans are no longer available. Maya Bank, while innovative, is still maturing its home loan product and may not offer the competitive rates of established mortgage lenders. Through Nook, Filipino homeowners can access rates as low as 5.99% p.a. across multiple lenders — likely beating what either of these banks can offer individually.

Maya Bank vs UCPB: Quick Overview

This comparison covers two very different institutions. Maya Bank is the Philippines' first fully digital bank, launched by Voyager Innovations (now PayMaya Philippines) and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). It operates entirely through the Maya app with no physical branches. UCPB (United Coconut Planters Bank), on the other hand, was one of the Philippines' oldest commercial banks — but it officially merged with Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) in April 2022. As a result, UCPB no longer operates as an independent entity, and its home loan products have been absorbed into Landbank's portfolio.

If you are researching UCPB home loans, you will need to approach Landbank directly for new applications. You can also see how UCPB stacked up against other lenders in our BPI vs UCPB home loan comparison for historical context.

Interest Rates Compared

FeatureMaya BankUCPB (now Landbank)
Indicative Rate (1-year fixing)~7.00% – 8.50% p.a.No longer available (merged into Landbank)
Indicative Rate (3-year fixing)~7.50% – 9.00% p.a.Refer to Landbank
Indicative Rate (5-year fixing)~8.00% – 9.50% p.a.Refer to Landbank
Best Available via NookAs low as 5.99% p.a.

Maya Bank's home loan rates are competitive for a digital bank but tend to be higher than what established banks offer for well-qualified borrowers. Since UCPB no longer originates new home loans independently, borrowers who previously held UCPB mortgages are now serviced under Landbank, which may have different repricing terms.

Monthly Payment Comparison

To illustrate the real-world impact of rate differences, here is a sample monthly payment comparison for a 3,000,000 peso home loan over 20 years:

Interest RateEstimated Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid Over 20 Years
5.99% p.a. (via Nook)~21,492~2,158,080
7.50% p.a. (Maya Bank est.)~24,168~2,800,320
9.00% p.a. (higher-end est.)~26,992~3,478,080

Switching from a 7.50% rate to 5.99% on a 3,000,000 peso loan could save you approximately 642,240 pesos in total interest — enough to fund a complete home renovation or build a meaningful emergency fund.

Fees and Charges

Fee TypeMaya BankUCPB (now Landbank)
Processing FeeVaries; check current Maya app disclosuresAbsorbed into Landbank — contact Landbank for current fees
Appraisal FeeCharged separately; ~3,500 – 5,000Refer to Landbank schedule of fees
Early Termination FeeMay apply within the fixed-rate periodSubject to Landbank terms
Documentary Stamp TaxBorrower's accountBorrower's account
Mortgage RegistrationBorrower's accountBorrower's account
Nook Service Fee100% free to the borrower

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementMaya BankUCPB / Landbank
Filipino Citizen / Permanent ResidentRequiredRequired
Minimum Age21 years old21 years old (Landbank)
Maximum Age at Loan MaturityTypically 65 years oldTypically 70 years old (Landbank)
Employment StatusEmployed, self-employed, or OFWEmployed, self-employed, business owners
Minimum Gross Monthly Income~40,000 (indicative)Refer to Landbank (was ~40,000 under UCPB)
Digital-Only ApplicationYes — fully app-basedNo — branch-based (Landbank)

Loan Features and Flexibility

FeatureMaya BankUCPB / Landbank
Minimum Loan Amount~1,000,000~500,000 (Landbank)
Maximum Loan AmountUp to 80% of appraised valueUp to 80% of appraised value (Landbank)
Loan TenureUp to 20 yearsUp to 25 years (Landbank)
Refinancing AvailableYesYes (via Landbank)
Online Account ManagementFull — via Maya appPartial — Landbank has online banking
Branch NetworkNone (digital only)Nationwide (Landbank branches)

Maya Bank's fully digital model is convenient for tech-savvy borrowers, but the lack of branches can be a drawback when dealing with complex mortgage documentation. Landbank (successor to UCPB) offers a more traditional but widely accessible branch experience. For borrowers exploring digital-first lenders, our GoTyme vs SB Finance home loan comparison may also be useful reading.

Why Most Borrowers Should Consider Refinancing Instead

Whether you currently have a Maya Bank mortgage, a legacy UCPB loan now under Landbank, or a home loan from any other Philippine bank, there is a strong chance you are paying more than you need to. The Philippine mortgage market has become increasingly competitive, and rates as low as 5.99% p.a. are now accessible through Nook — without paying a single peso in broker fees.

Nook compares offers from BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, RCBC, UnionBank, Chinabank, EastWest Bank, and more, all in one place. You simply submit your details once and Nook handles the legwork of finding the best match for your profile.

Not sure which bank suits you?

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UCPB still accepting home loan applications?

No. UCPB (United Coconut Planters Bank) officially merged with Land Bank of the Philippines in April 2022. All UCPB branches, accounts, and loan products — including home loans — have been absorbed into Landbank. If you had a UCPB home loan, it is now serviced by Landbank. New applicants should apply directly through Landbank or explore multiple lender options through a broker like Nook.

Does Maya Bank offer home loans in the Philippines?

Maya Bank is licensed by the BSP and has been expanding its lending products, but its home loan offerings are still developing compared to established banks like BDO, BPI, or Metrobank. Availability and terms may change. It is advisable to check the Maya app directly for the most current product offerings, or work with Nook to compare Maya Bank's rates against the broader market.

What is the current best home loan rate in the Philippines?

Through Nook, the best available refinance rate is currently 5.99% per annum. This rate is available to qualified borrowers and is subject to each lender's credit assessment. Most Filipino homeowners are currently paying between 7% and 10%, so refinancing can result in significant monthly and long-term savings.

How much can I save by refinancing from a 7.50% rate to 5.99%?

On a 3,000,000 peso loan with a 20-year term, moving from 7.50% to 5.99% reduces your monthly payment from approximately 24,168 pesos to 21,492 pesos — a saving of about 2,676 pesos every month. Over the remaining loan life, this adds up to approximately 642,240 pesos in total interest savings. The exact figure depends on your outstanding balance and remaining tenure.

Is Nook's mortgage brokering service really free?

Yes, Nook's service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook earns a referral fee from the lending bank if your application is successfully approved, so you never pay anything out of pocket for the comparison or application support. There are no hidden charges from Nook's side.

Can I refinance my UCPB home loan now that it has been absorbed by Landbank?

Yes. If your UCPB loan has been transferred to Landbank, you are free to refinance with a different lender once your lock-in period has expired. Refinancing allows you to move your outstanding balance to a bank offering a lower rate, potentially saving you thousands of pesos per month. Nook can help you identify the best available offer across multiple Philippine banks at no cost to you.

What documents do I need to refinance my home loan in the Philippines?

Typical requirements include a valid government-issued ID, your latest Certificate of Employment and Income Tax Return (or audited financial statements if self-employed), your existing loan statement of account, a copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT), and a recent tax declaration. Nook will guide you through the exact requirements based on your chosen lender, so you only need to prepare documents once.