⚖️ Bank Comparison

BDO vs Metrobank

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

Choosing between Metrobank and BDO for your housing loan in 2026? We break down their interest rates, requirements, fees, and approval times side by side — so you can find the deal that saves you the most money.

Our Verdict

BDO Edges Out Metrobank on Rate Transparency and Accessibility in 2026

As a verified Nook partner bank, BDO offers a confirmed 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. with a minimum monthly income requirement of 50,000 — making it one of the most accessible and competitively priced options available today. Metrobank's rates are generally competitive but are not publicly locked and can vary depending on your loan amount, property type, and banking relationship. For borrowers who want rate certainty and a free, streamlined application process, BDO through Nook is the stronger choice.

Metrobank vs BDO Housing Loan 2026: At a Glance

Both Metrobank and BDO are among the Philippines' largest banks and offer housing loan products for home purchase, construction, and refinancing. However, there are meaningful differences in rate transparency, eligibility requirements, and the ease of application — especially when you apply through a broker like Nook.

The table below summarizes the key data points side by side. Note that Metrobank rates shown are approximate based on publicly available information and are subject to change — always verify directly with the bank or through a licensed broker.

FeatureBDO UnibankMetrobank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.00% p.a. (verified)Approx. 7.00%–8.50% p.a.*
Minimum Monthly Income50,000Approx. 50,000–60,000*
Typical Approval Time30 daysApprox. 30–45 days*
Maximum DTI Ratio40%Approx. 35%–40%*
Loan Purposes CoveredPurchase, Refinancing, Renovation, Construction, Pre-Selling, RFO, Reselling, Home Equity, ForeclosedPurchase, Refinancing, Construction, Renovation*
Employment Types AcceptedPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, ProfessionalPrivate, Government, Self-Employed*
Nook Partner Bank✅ Yes — apply free❌ Not a Nook partner

* Metrobank rates and requirements are approximate, based on publicly available information as of 2025–2026, and are subject to change without notice. Contact Metrobank directly or speak to a Nook advisor for the most current figures.

Interest Rate Comparison

Interest rate is almost always the single biggest factor in your monthly payment and total loan cost — and this is where the two banks diverge most clearly.

BDO offers a verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. through Nook. This rate is confirmed and available to qualified borrowers who apply via the Nook platform at no cost. After the fixed period, the rate reprices based on prevailing market conditions.

Metrobank is generally competitive among Philippine banks, but its advertised rates typically start in the range of 7.00% to 8.50% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period, depending on loan amount and borrower profile. Because Metrobank is not a Nook partner, we cannot verify a specific promotional rate on your behalf.

What Does the Rate Difference Mean in Pesos?

To make this concrete, here is a sample monthly payment comparison on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years:

RateLoan AmountTermEst. Monthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid
6.00% (BDO via Nook)3,000,00020 yearsapprox. 21,491approx. 2,157,840
7.50% (Metrobank est.)3,000,00020 yearsapprox. 24,056approx. 2,773,440
8.50% (Metrobank est.)3,000,00020 yearsapprox. 26,023approx. 3,245,520

At 6.00% versus a mid-range 7.50% estimate, a borrower on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years could save approximately 615,600 in total interest — or roughly 2,565 per month. That is money that stays in your pocket. For a deeper look at how BDO and Metrobank refinance rates stack up, see our BDO vs Metrobank home loan refinance rates comparison.

Monthly payment estimates are illustrative only, calculated on a straight amortization basis during the fixed-rate period. Actual payments will vary based on final approved rate, fees, and loan structure.

Eligibility Requirements

Both banks require borrowers to demonstrate stable income, good credit history, and a property that meets their collateral standards. Here is how their requirements compare:

RequirementBDO UnibankMetrobank
Minimum Age21 years oldApprox. 21 years old*
Maximum Age at Loan MaturityTypically 65–70 years oldTypically 65–70 years old*
Minimum Monthly Income50,000Approx. 50,000–60,000*
Employment TypesPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, ProfessionalPrivate, Government, Self-Employed*
CitizenshipFilipino citizens; certain foreign nationals eligibleFilipino citizens; certain foreign nationals eligible*
Credit HistoryGood standing requiredGood standing required*

One area where BDO stands out is its explicit acceptance of OFW and seafarer applicants — a significant population of Filipino borrowers who are sometimes underserved by other lenders. BDO also accepts BPO employees and professionals, making its eligibility net relatively wide.

* Metrobank requirements are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with Metrobank or a licensed advisor.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use the Loan For?

BDO's housing loan product, available through Nook, covers a broad range of purposes:

Metrobank likewise covers most standard purposes including purchase, construction, renovation, and refinancing — but specific availability and rates for each purpose should be confirmed with the bank directly.

If you are specifically looking to refinance your current home loan, our detailed guide on BDO vs Metrobank home loan rates for 2026 covers the refinancing use case in depth.

Processing Fees and Other Costs

Beyond the interest rate, housing loans come with upfront costs that affect the true cost of borrowing. These typically include:

Fee TypeBDO UnibankMetrobank
Processing / Application FeeVaries; confirm with Nook advisorVaries; confirm with bank*
Appraisal FeeCharged separately; amount depends on propertyCharged separately*
Documentary Stamp TaxStandard government charge appliesStandard government charge applies
Mortgage Registration FeeStandard government charge appliesStandard government charge applies
Fire InsuranceRequired annuallyRequired annually*
MRI (Mortgage Redemption Insurance)Required; premium varies by age and loan amountRequired; premium varies*
Broker Fee (via Nook)Free — Nook charges borrowers nothingN/A — Metrobank not on Nook platform

A key advantage of applying for a BDO loan through Nook is that Nook's service is completely free to the borrower. You get a dedicated advisor, document support, and rate negotiation assistance at zero cost — the bank compensates Nook directly upon successful loan disbursement.

Application Process and Approval Timeline

BDO via Nook: Nook's digital-first platform allows you to submit your application online, track progress, and get advisor support throughout. BDO's typical approval timeline for complete applications is around 30 days. Nook's team helps ensure your documents are in order before submission, reducing back-and-forth delays.

Metrobank: Metrobank accepts applications through its branches and online portal. Approval timelines are approximately 30 to 45 days based on general market knowledge, though this varies by branch workload, completeness of documents, and loan complexity. As Metrobank is not a Nook partner, you would need to manage the process directly with the bank.

For borrowers who want a smoother, guided experience — especially first-time homebuyers or those refinancing for the first time — the Nook-assisted BDO process offers a significant convenience advantage.

Refinancing: Which Bank Is Better for Takeout?

If you are currently with Metrobank and considering moving your loan to BDO for a lower rate, this is called a loan takeout or refinancing. With BDO's verified rate of 6.00% p.a. versus Metrobank's estimated rates of 7.00%–8.50%, the savings potential is real and substantial.

Refinancing involves some upfront costs — appraisal, documentary stamp tax, and registration fees — but these are typically recovered within 12 to 24 months of lower monthly payments. Nook can help you run this break-even calculation for free.

For a full breakdown of the refinancing comparison between these two banks, visit our page on BDO vs Metrobank housing loan takeout rates.

Important: All interest rates are subject to change without notice. BDO rates shown are verified Nook partner rates as of 2025–2026. Metrobank rates are approximate figures based on publicly available information and may not reflect current promotions or your specific borrower profile. Always verify rates with the relevant bank or an authorized advisor before making financial decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current housing loan interest rate of BDO in 2026?

BDO's verified 1-year fixed housing loan rate through Nook is 6.00% p.a. as of 2026. This is a confirmed rate available to qualified borrowers who apply through the Nook platform at no cost to the borrower.

What is Metrobank's housing loan interest rate in 2026?

Metrobank's housing loan rates are not publicly locked in a single figure and vary by loan amount, term, and borrower profile. Based on publicly available information, rates are generally estimated in the range of 7.00% to 8.50% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period. You should contact Metrobank directly or speak to a Nook advisor to get an up-to-date quote.

Is BDO or Metrobank better for a housing loan?

For most borrowers in 2026, BDO offers a stronger combination of competitive verified rates (6.00% p.a.), broad eligibility including OFWs and BPO employees, and the benefit of a free, guided application process through Nook. Metrobank is a well-established lender but its rates are generally higher based on available information, and you would need to manage the application independently.

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

BDO requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000 for housing loan applicants. This applies to employed, self-employed, and professional borrowers. OFWs and seafarers are also eligible and may have their income assessed differently.

Can I refinance my Metrobank loan with BDO?

Yes. If you currently have a housing loan with Metrobank, you can refinance it with BDO to potentially secure a lower interest rate. BDO explicitly accepts refinancing as a loan purpose, and with a verified rate of 6.00% p.a. versus Metrobank's estimated 7.00%–8.50%, the monthly savings can be significant. Nook can help you calculate your potential savings and manage the entire refinancing process for free.

How long does BDO take to approve a housing loan?

BDO typically approves complete housing loan applications within 30 days. Applying through Nook can help speed this up because Nook's advisors review your documents before submission, reducing the likelihood of requests for additional information that cause delays.

Does Nook charge a fee to apply for a BDO housing loan?

No. Nook's service is 100% free to the borrower. You receive full advisor support, document assistance, and access to verified partner bank rates at no charge. Nook is compensated by the bank upon successful loan disbursement — not by you.

What loan purposes does BDO cover?

BDO housing loans through Nook cover a wide range of purposes: home purchase (RFO, pre-selling, resale, foreclosed), new construction, renovation, refinancing of an existing loan, and home equity or cash-out loans. This makes BDO one of the most versatile options available in the Philippine market.