⚖️ Bank Comparison

Metrobank vs RCBC

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

Choosing between Metrobank and RCBC for your housing loan? We break down their 2026 rates, fixed periods, eligibility requirements, and fees side by side — so you can find the best deal for your home financing needs.

Our Verdict

RCBC Edges Out Metrobank for Most Borrowers in 2026

RCBC's verified 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. is competitive against Metrobank's approximate market rates, and RCBC's broader acceptance of employment types — including OFWs, seafarers, and self-employed professionals — makes it accessible to more Filipino borrowers. When you apply through Nook, RCBC's free broker service, streamlined process, and typical 49-day approval timeline give it a clear edge for refinancers and new home buyers alike.

Metrobank vs RCBC Housing Loan: Quick Comparison

Below is a side-by-side snapshot of what Metrobank and RCBC currently offer for housing loans in 2026. Note that Metrobank rates shown are approximate figures based on publicly available information and are subject to change — always verify directly with the bank. RCBC rates are verified partner rates available through Nook.

FeatureMetrobankRCBC (via Nook)
1-Year Fixed Rate~7.50%–8.50% p.a. (approx.)7.00% p.a. ✓ Verified
Home Equity Rate~8.00%–9.00% p.a. (approx.)8.00% p.a. ✓ Verified
Min. Monthly Income~P40,000–P50,000 (approx.)P50,000
Employment Types AcceptedPrivate employed, self-employedPrivate, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
Loan PurposesPurchase, construction, refinancingForeclosed, Home Equity, Pre-Selling, RFO, Refinancing, Reselling
Typical Approval Time~45–60 days (approx.)49 days
Max DTI Ratio~30%–35% (approx.)30%
Broker Fee via NookN/AFree

⚠️ Metrobank rates and requirements are approximate, based on publicly available information, and subject to change without notice. Verify current rates directly with Metrobank. RCBC rates are verified as of 2026 and available through Nook at no cost to you.

Interest Rates Deep Dive

Interest rates are often the single biggest factor in your total housing loan cost over 15–25 years. Even a 0.50% difference in your annual rate can mean hundreds of thousands of pesos in savings — or extra costs — over the life of your loan.

RCBC Rates (Verified via Nook)

RCBC offers a 1-Year Fixed Rate of 7.00% p.a. — one of the most competitive verified rates available in the Philippine market today. For homeowners looking to tap their property's value, the Home Equity rate is 8.00% p.a. These rates are confirmed partner rates you can access by applying through Nook for free.

Metrobank Rates (Approximate)

Metrobank is one of the Philippines' largest universal banks and offers housing loans across a range of fixed-rate periods. Based on publicly available information, their 1-year fixed rates are estimated at approximately 7.50%–8.50% p.a., though these figures are approximate and subject to change. Metrobank occasionally runs promotional rates for select developments or payroll clients, so it's worth checking directly with their branch for your specific scenario.

Sample Monthly Payment Comparison

To illustrate the impact of rate differences, here's a sample calculation for a P3,000,000 loan over 20 years:

  • At RCBC's 7.00% p.a.: Estimated monthly payment ≈ 23,259 | Total interest over 20 years ≈ 2,582,160
  • At ~8.00% p.a. (approx. mid-range): Estimated monthly payment ≈ 25,093 | Total interest over 20 years ≈ 3,022,320
  • Potential savings with RCBC:440,160 over the loan term

These figures are illustrative only. Actual payments will depend on your exact rate, loan term, fees, and amortization schedule. Use Nook's free calculator for a personalized estimate.

Eligibility Requirements

Both banks have eligibility criteria around income, employment, age, and property type. Here's how they compare:

RCBC Eligibility (via Nook)

RCBC's broad acceptance of OFWs and seafarers is a significant advantage — many banks are restrictive with overseas workers, making RCBC a standout choice for this segment of Filipino borrowers.

Metrobank Eligibility (Approximate)

Metrobank is a well-established lender with a wide branch network, which can be convenient for in-person document submission. However, their OFW and self-employed acceptance criteria may be more restrictive compared to RCBC.

Fees and Charges

Beyond interest rates, it's important to factor in one-time and recurring fees that affect your total loan cost.

Common Housing Loan Fees to Watch

Fee TypeMetrobank (Approx.)RCBC via Nook
Processing Fee~P5,000–P10,000 (approx.)Varies; confirm with Nook
Appraisal Fee~P3,500–P5,000 (approx.)Varies by property value
Mortgage Registration FeeBased on loan amountBased on loan amount
Documentary Stamp TaxBorrower's accountBorrower's account
Broker / Agent FeeVaries if using agentFREE via Nook

One of the most overlooked savings when using Nook is the zero broker fee. Traditional mortgage brokers or agents in the Philippines typically charge 1%–2% of the loan amount as a facilitation fee. Nook charges borrowers absolutely nothing — the service is 100% free.

Refinancing: Which Bank is Better?

If you're an existing homeowner looking to refinance your current home loan to a lower rate, both Metrobank and RCBC accept refinancing applications — but there are important differences.

RCBC's verified 7.00% p.a. refinance rate means that if you're currently paying 8%, 9%, or 10% at another bank, switching to RCBC through Nook could save you a significant amount monthly. For a P3,000,000 loan balance, dropping from 9% to 7% saves approximately 3,500–4,000 per month in amortization alone.

Nook specializes in refinancing and will handle the entire process for you — from comparing rates across partner banks to coordinating with your existing lender and new bank. There's no paperwork confusion and no broker fee. If you're exploring this option, you may also want to read our detailed guide on RCBC vs Metrobank housing loan rates for a deeper analysis of how these two banks stack up specifically for refinancers.

RCBC Refinancing Highlights

Metrobank Refinancing

Metrobank does accept home loan refinancing applications. Rates and terms are approximately in line with their standard housing loan products. If you are an existing Metrobank client, you may be eligible for retention rates — always ask your relationship manager. However, without a verified broker like Nook negotiating on your behalf, you may not be getting the most competitive rate available in the market.

OFW and Overseas Filipino Borrowers

For Filipinos working abroad, securing a housing loan can be more complex due to documentation requirements and income verification. This is an area where RCBC clearly outperforms many competitors.

RCBC explicitly accepts OFW/Seafarer borrowers as eligible applicants through Nook. With the right documentation — typically including employment contracts, proof of remittance, and an authorized representative or Special Power of Attorney in the Philippines — OFWs can successfully apply for RCBC housing loans through Nook's fully digital process.

Metrobank may also accommodate OFW applications at select branches, but eligibility criteria and required documents can vary. OFWs are advised to confirm requirements with their nearest Metrobank branch or contact center before proceeding.

For OFW borrowers specifically, RCBC via Nook is likely the more straightforward and accessible option in 2026.

The Nook Advantage: Why Apply Through Us?

Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker — and applying through Nook for your RCBC housing loan costs you absolutely nothing. Here's what you get:

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to a bigger property, or refinancing an existing loan to lower your monthly payments, Nook simplifies every step. For a broader look at how these two banks compare across more scenarios, see our Metrobank vs RCBC home loan rates comparison.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: All interest rates are subject to change without notice. Metrobank rates cited on this page are approximate, based on publicly available information as of 2026, and may not reflect current promotional or advertised rates. Always verify current rates directly with Metrobank. RCBC rates are verified partner rates available through Nook and are also subject to periodic adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is RCBC's current housing loan interest rate in 2026?

RCBC's verified 1-year fixed housing loan rate available through Nook is 7.00% p.a. For home equity loans, the rate is 8.00% p.a. These are confirmed partner rates — apply through Nook for free to lock in this rate for your application.

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

Based on publicly available information, Metrobank's 1-year fixed housing loan rates are approximately 7.50%–8.50% p.a. in 2026. These are estimates and subject to change — contact Metrobank directly or visit a branch to confirm current rates for your specific loan scenario.

Which is better for housing loans — Metrobank or RCBC?

For most borrowers in 2026, RCBC via Nook offers a slight edge due to its verified lower rate of 7.00% p.a., broader acceptance of employment types (including OFWs and self-employed), and the benefit of Nook's free broker service. Metrobank is a strong bank with a wide branch network, but rates and eligibility should be confirmed directly. The best bank for you depends on your income type, loan purpose, and the property you're financing.

Can OFWs apply for a housing loan through RCBC?

Yes. RCBC explicitly accepts OFW and seafarer borrowers as eligible applicants for housing loans when applied through Nook. You will typically need your employment contract, proof of remittance, a valid ID, and a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for a representative in the Philippines. Nook's team can guide you through the exact requirements.

How long does RCBC take to approve a housing loan?

RCBC's typical approval timeline for housing loans applied through Nook is approximately 49 days from complete document submission. Timelines can vary depending on property type, completeness of documents, and individual credit assessment. Nook helps you prepare a complete application to minimize delays.

Is Nook's service really free for borrowers?

Yes, Nook's mortgage broker service is 100% free to borrowers. Nook is compensated by the partner bank upon successful loan disbursement — you pay nothing extra for Nook's expert guidance, document coordination, and bank comparison service. There are no hidden fees or charges added to your loan by Nook.

Can I refinance my existing Metrobank home loan to RCBC through Nook?

Yes, this is one of the most common scenarios Nook handles. If you currently have a home loan with Metrobank (or any other bank) at a higher interest rate, Nook can help you refinance to RCBC at a verified 7.00% p.a. — potentially saving you thousands of pesos per month. Nook coordinates the entire process including liaising with your current bank and the new lender, all at no cost to you.

What is the minimum monthly income required for an RCBC housing loan?

RCBC requires a minimum monthly income of P50,000 for housing loan applicants. This applies to private employees, self-employed individuals, OFWs, and professionals. Combined spousal income may be considered in some cases — ask Nook's specialists about your specific eligibility.

What loan purposes does RCBC accept?

RCBC accepts housing loan applications for the following purposes: refinancing, Ready For Occupancy (RFO) properties, pre-selling properties, home equity, reselling, and foreclosed properties. This wide range of accepted purposes makes RCBC one of the more flexible lenders in the Philippine market.

What is the best refinance rate available in the Philippines right now?

Through Nook, the best available refinance rate is currently 5.99% p.a., subject to eligibility and credit assessment. RCBC's standard 1-year fixed rate is 7.00% p.a. — still significantly lower than what most Filipino homeowners are currently paying (typically 7%–10%). To find out the best rate you personally qualify for, apply through Nook for a free assessment.