⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs Metrobank

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

BDO and Metrobank are two of the Philippines' biggest home loan lenders — but their rates, approval timelines, and eligibility requirements can differ significantly. Here's an honest, side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which bank is the better fit for your refinance or home purchase in 2026.

Our Verdict

BDO Edges Out Metrobank for Most Borrowers — Especially When You Apply Through Nook

BDO's verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. through Nook gives it a clear advantage over Metrobank's approximate market rates, which typically range from 7% to 8.5% p.a. for standard home loan products. BDO also accepts a wider range of employment types — including OFWs, self-employed professionals, and BPO workers — making it more accessible to more Filipino borrowers. And because Nook's broker service is 100% free, you get BDO's competitive rates with expert support at no extra cost.

BDO vs Metrobank Housing Loan: At a Glance

Both BDO Unibank and Metrobank are Tier 1 Philippine banks with decades of home lending experience. However, there are meaningful differences in their current rates, borrower eligibility, and the overall application experience. The table below summarizes the key figures for 2026.

FeatureBDO (via Nook)Metrobank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a.~7.00%–8.50% p.a.*
Home Equity Rate6.00% p.a.Varies*
Minimum Monthly IncomeP50,000Typically P40,000–P50,000*
Max Debt-to-Income Ratio40%~30%–40%*
Typical Approval Time~30 days~30–45 days*
OFW / Seafarer EligibleYesLimited*
Self-Employed EligibleYesYes*
Broker Fee (via Nook)FreeNot available via Nook

* Metrobank rates and details are approximate, based on publicly available information as of 2026, and are subject to change without notice. Always verify directly with Metrobank for current terms.

Interest Rates: BDO vs Metrobank

Interest rate is almost always the most important factor in a housing loan decision — even a 1% difference can add hundreds of thousands of pesos to your total repayment over a 20-year term.

BDO (Nook Partner Bank) currently offers a verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. for both standard home loans and home equity products. This is one of the most competitive rates available in the Philippine market today, and it's accessible to Nook applicants at no broker fee.

Metrobank is a strong lender with a well-established home loan portfolio, but its publicly advertised rates generally start higher — typically in the 7.00%–8.50% p.a. range for standard fixed-rate periods. Metrobank does run occasional promotional rates, but these are limited in availability, subject to conditions, and not verifiable through Nook's platform.

What the Rate Difference Means in Pesos

Let's illustrate the impact on a P3,000,000 home loan over 20 years:

ScenarioRateEst. Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid
BDO via Nook6.00% p.a.~P21,495~P2,158,800
Metrobank (approx.)7.50% p.a.~P24,058~P2,773,920
Difference1.50%~P2,563/month~P615,120 more

Over 20 years, a 1.5% rate gap translates to over P600,000 in additional interest — money that stays in your pocket when you choose the lower rate. If you're already paying a higher rate and want to switch, see our BDO vs Metrobank refinance rates comparison for a detailed breakdown of refinancing scenarios.

Note: Monthly payment estimates are illustrative and assume a flat rate for the full loan term. Actual payments depend on your specific loan structure, re-pricing schedule, and bank policies. Interest rates are subject to change — verify current rates before applying.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use the Loan For?

BDO, as a Nook partner bank, supports a broad range of loan purposes — giving borrowers flexibility regardless of their property situation.

Loan PurposeBDO (via Nook)Metrobank
Refinancing✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Home Equity / Cash-Out✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Ready for Occupancy (RFO)✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Pre-Selling / Off-Plan✅ Yes✅ Yes*
New Construction✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Renovation✅ YesLimited*
Foreclosed Properties✅ YesLimited*
Reselling / Secondary Market✅ Yes✅ Yes*

* Metrobank loan purpose eligibility is based on general market knowledge and may vary by product. Confirm with Metrobank directly.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies?

Qualifying for a housing loan in the Philippines depends on your income, employment type, age, and credit profile. Here's how BDO and Metrobank compare on the key eligibility criteria.

RequirementBDO (via Nook)Metrobank
Minimum Monthly IncomeP50,000~P40,000–P50,000*
Private Employees✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Government Employees✅ Yes✅ Yes*
BPO Workers✅ YesVaries*
OFW / Seafarers✅ YesLimited*
Self-Employed✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.)✅ Yes✅ Yes*
Max DTI Ratio40%~30%–40%*

BDO's explicit support for OFWs and seafarers through Nook is a notable advantage — many Philippine banks restrict or complicate OFW applications due to income verification challenges. BDO has streamlined this process for Nook applicants.

Approval Speed & Application Process

Time matters when you're buying a home or refinancing. Delays in loan approval can cost you your chosen property or leave you paying a higher rate for longer.

BDO via Nook targets a typical approval timeline of around 30 days from complete document submission. Nook's broker team actively manages your application — chasing the bank, flagging missing documents early, and keeping you updated — which often results in faster turnaround compared to applying directly.

Metrobank typically takes 30 to 45 days for home loan approvals based on borrower feedback and publicly available information. Processing time can vary depending on the branch, the complexity of your application, and document completeness.

One practical advantage of applying with Nook: because Nook has a dedicated relationship with BDO, your application gets priority handling that walk-in applicants typically don't receive.

Fees & Charges

Beyond the interest rate, home loans come with a range of fees that add to your total cost. Here's a general comparison:

Fee TypeBDO (via Nook)Metrobank
Broker / Facilitation FeeFree via NookN/A (apply directly)
Appraisal FeeTypically P3,000–P5,000Typically P3,000–P5,000*
Processing FeeBank standard rates applyBank standard rates apply*
Annual Service FeeVaries by productVaries by product*
Mortgage RegistrationGovernment fees applyGovernment fees apply
Pre-Payment PenaltyApplies within lock-in periodApplies within lock-in period*

The biggest practical fee advantage with Nook is the zero broker fee. Traditional mortgage brokers charge 1%–2% of the loan amount — on a P3,000,000 loan, that's P30,000–P60,000. With Nook, that cost disappears entirely.

* Metrobank fees are approximate and based on general market information. Confirm current fee schedules directly with Metrobank.

Refinancing: BDO vs Metrobank

If you're an existing homeowner looking to lower your monthly payments, refinancing to a bank offering 6.00% p.a. from a rate of 8%–10% can produce dramatic savings. BDO, as a Nook partner bank, is one of the most competitive refinancing options available in the Philippines today.

Metrobank does offer refinancing, but without verified promotional rates through an independent broker, it's harder to guarantee you're getting the best deal available. When comparing refinance options between these two banks, the rate gap often tips decisively in BDO's favor. For a deeper look at refinancing specifically, our BDO vs Metrobank home loan refinance rates page walks through scenarios in more detail.

The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — which means some borrowers may qualify for an even lower rate depending on their loan profile. If you're currently paying 8% or more, the monthly savings from refinancing through Nook could exceed P5,000 per month on a P3,000,000 loan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a lower interest rate — BDO or Metrobank for housing loans in 2026?

BDO currently offers a verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. through Nook, which is lower than Metrobank's publicly available rates that typically range from approximately 7.00% to 8.50% p.a. That said, Metrobank's rates are subject to change and you should verify their current offers directly. Applying through Nook gives you access to BDO's competitive rate with no broker fee.

Is it better to apply for a housing loan with BDO or Metrobank?

For most borrowers in 2026, BDO via Nook offers a stronger overall package — lower verified rates, broader employment eligibility (including OFWs and BPO workers), and a free broker service that streamlines the application process. Metrobank is a reputable lender but its rates are generally higher based on current market information. If you qualify for BDO through Nook, it's likely the better financial choice.

How long does BDO take to approve a housing loan compared to Metrobank?

BDO typically processes home loan applications in approximately 30 days when applied through Nook, benefiting from Nook's active application management and direct bank relationship. Metrobank's approval timeline is generally 30 to 45 days based on publicly available information, though this can vary. Submitting a complete set of documents at the start is the biggest factor in speeding up approval at either bank.

Can OFWs apply for a housing loan at BDO or Metrobank?

Yes — BDO explicitly supports OFW and seafarer applicants through Nook, with a clearly defined eligibility framework. Metrobank's OFW home loan availability is more limited and subject to specific conditions. If you're an OFW looking to take out or refinance a housing loan, BDO via Nook is the more accessible option.

What is the minimum income required for a BDO housing loan?

BDO requires a minimum monthly income of P50,000 for home loan applicants through Nook. This applies across employment types including private employees, government workers, self-employed individuals, professionals, and OFWs. Combined household income may be considered in some cases — ask a Nook advisor for details specific to your situation.

Is there a broker fee for applying through Nook?

No — Nook's service is 100% free to the borrower. There is no broker fee, facilitation fee, or hidden charge for using Nook to apply for a BDO housing loan. Nook is compensated by the bank, not the borrower, which means you get expert mortgage guidance and application support at zero cost.

Can I refinance from Metrobank to BDO through Nook?

Yes. If you currently have a housing loan with Metrobank and are paying a rate above 6.00% p.a., you may be able to refinance to BDO through Nook and significantly reduce your monthly payments. The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. Nook will assess your eligibility and handle the entire process for free.

How accurate are the Metrobank rates shown on this page?

Metrobank rates shown are approximate figures based on publicly available information and general market knowledge as of 2026. They are not verified through Nook's partner network and are subject to change without notice. Always contact Metrobank directly or visit their official website to confirm current home loan rates and terms before making any financial decisions.