⚖️ Bank Comparison

PNB vs Security Bank

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

PNB and Security Bank both offer home loan refinancing in the Philippines, but their rates, requirements, and processing times differ in ways that could mean thousands of pesos in savings — here's how they stack up side by side.

Our Verdict

Security Bank Offers More Transparent Rates and Faster Approval for Most Borrowers

Security Bank's verified rates through Nook start at 6.75% fixed for 5 years, with a clear 23-day approval timeline and eligibility open to a wide range of employment types including OFWs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals. PNB offers competitive home loans but rates are approximate and subject to change without the same level of transparency available through a broker. For borrowers who want certainty and a free application process, Security Bank through Nook is the stronger choice.

PNB vs Security Bank Home Loan: At a Glance

Choosing between PNB and Security Bank for your home loan or refinancing need depends on more than just headline rates. Below, we break down the key differences across interest rates, eligibility, processing time, and loan purpose flexibility — so you can make a genuinely informed decision.

Note: PNB rates shown below are approximate figures based on publicly available information and are subject to change. Always verify directly with PNB. Security Bank rates are verified through Nook's partner bank data and are current as of this writing.

FeaturePNBSecurity Bank (via Nook)
1-Year Fixed Rate~7.25% – 8.50% p.a. (approx.)6.99% p.a.
5-Year Fixed Rate~7.50% – 9.00% p.a. (approx.)6.75% p.a.
Home Equity Rate~8.00% – 9.50% p.a. (approx.)7.50% p.a.
Min. Monthly Income~P40,000 (approx.)P50,000
Typical Approval Time4–8 weeks (approx.)23 days
Max Debt-to-Income RatioNot publicly disclosed40%
Broker FeeN/AFree via Nook

Interest Rate Comparison in Detail

Interest rates are the single biggest factor in your monthly mortgage payment and total loan cost. Even a 0.5% difference on a large loan can translate to hundreds of thousands of pesos over the life of a 20-year term.

PNB is one of the Philippines' largest government-affiliated banks and does offer home loan products including refinancing. However, their published rates tend to sit in the higher range compared to what Nook partner banks can offer. Based on publicly available data, PNB's 1-year fixed rates are typically in the range of 7.25% to 8.50% p.a., though promotional rates may be available periodically.

Security Bank, as a Nook partner bank, offers a verified 1-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a. and a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. — both of which are among the most competitive refinance rates currently available in the Philippine market. The best refinance rate available through Nook today is 5.99% p.a., which means Security Bank sits very close to the market-leading tier.

To understand what these rate differences mean in practice, consider a ₱3,000,000 loan over 20 years:

That's a meaningful difference — and it's the kind of calculation Nook helps you run for free before you commit to anything. If you're also considering other major banks, our BDO vs PNB home loan comparison is worth reading alongside this page.

Eligibility and Employment Types

One of Security Bank's strongest points for refinancing is the breadth of borrower profiles it accepts. Through Nook, Security Bank approves applications from:

This is notably inclusive compared to many Philippine banks that restrict home loans to salaried private or government employees only. If you're an OFW, freelancer, or running your own business, Security Bank via Nook is one of the more accessible routes to refinancing.

PNB also serves a range of borrower types, but their eligibility criteria are not as clearly published online and may require direct inquiry. The minimum income requirement for PNB is approximately P40,000/month based on available data, which is slightly lower than Security Bank's P50,000/month minimum — though the final assessment depends on total debt obligations and property value.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Use Each Loan For?

Not all home loans cover the same use cases. Security Bank through Nook supports the following loan purposes:

PNB similarly offers home purchase, construction, and refinancing loans, but their coverage of niche purposes like foreclosed properties or pre-selling units may vary by branch and product. If your specific purpose is refinancing an existing loan to reduce your monthly payments, both banks are applicable — but Security Bank's verified rate and faster processing give it a practical edge.

For a deeper look at how Security Bank stacks up against another major lender, see our BDO vs Security Bank home loan comparison.

Processing Time and Application Experience

Security Bank's typical approval timeline through Nook is 23 days from complete document submission. This is one of the faster turnaround times among Philippine banks and is especially important if you're refinancing and want to lock in a rate before your current repricing date.

PNB's processing time is not as clearly published, but based on general market experience, approvals at traditional banks can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on branch workload, completeness of documents, and property location.

When you apply through Nook, your application is handled by a dedicated mortgage specialist who helps you prepare documents, follow up with the bank, and navigate any issues — at no cost to you. This alone can significantly reduce back-and-forth delays that are common when applying directly to a bank.

Fees and Costs to Consider

Both PNB and Security Bank charge standard home loan fees including appraisal fees, mortgage registration fees, and notarial fees. These are largely determined by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas guidelines and property value rather than the bank itself, so they tend to be comparable across lenders.

What differs is the broker or facilitation cost. Nook's service is completely free to borrowers — Nook is compensated by the bank, not by you. This means you get full broker support, rate comparison, and document guidance without paying anything extra. Applying directly to PNB means you handle all coordination yourself, with no independent party advocating for your best rate.

Important reminder: All interest rates mentioned on this page are subject to change. PNB rates are approximate and based on publicly available information. Security Bank rates are verified partner data but may be updated. Always confirm current rates before proceeding with any application.

Not sure which bank suits you?

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

Compare My Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Security Bank or PNB better for home loan refinancing?

For most borrowers looking to refinance, Security Bank through Nook offers a more competitive and transparent deal. Security Bank's verified 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. is significantly lower than PNB's approximate rates, and the 23-day approval timeline is faster than the typical 4–8 weeks at traditional banks. The free broker service through Nook also means you have expert support at no additional cost.

What is Security Bank's current home loan interest rate?

Security Bank's current verified home loan rates through Nook are: 1-Year Fixed at 6.99% p.a., 5-Year Fixed at 6.75% p.a., and Home Equity at 7.50% p.a. These rates are among the most competitive available in the Philippine market for refinancing. Rates are subject to change — apply through Nook to confirm the latest rates for your specific loan.

What are PNB's home loan interest rates?

PNB's home loan rates are not always publicly disclosed in detail, but based on available market data, rates are typically in the range of 7.25% to 9.00% p.a. depending on the fixing period and loan amount. These are approximate figures and may not reflect current promotional rates. We recommend contacting PNB directly or speaking with a Nook mortgage specialist who can compare all available options for your situation.

Can OFWs apply for a Security Bank home loan through Nook?

Yes. Security Bank accepts OFW and seafarer applicants for home loans and refinancing through Nook. The application process can be completed remotely, and Nook's mortgage specialists can guide OFWs through the documentation requirements, including proof of income and employment verification. This makes Security Bank one of the more OFW-friendly refinancing options available.

How much can I save by refinancing from PNB to Security Bank?

Savings depend on your outstanding loan balance, remaining term, and current interest rate. As an example, on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, switching from a rate of 7.50% p.a. to Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. could save approximately 346,320 in total interest payments. Use Nook's free refinancing calculator or speak with a Nook specialist to get a savings estimate tailored to your loan.

Is Nook's service really free? How does it work?

Yes, Nook's mortgage broker service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the bank when a loan is successfully processed. You pay nothing extra — the same rate is available whether you apply through Nook or walk into the bank yourself. In exchange, you get a dedicated mortgage specialist, document preparation support, and ongoing follow-up with the bank on your behalf.

How long does it take to get approved for a Security Bank home loan?

Security Bank's typical approval timeline through Nook is 23 days from complete document submission. This is one of the faster processing times among Philippine banks. Nook's team helps ensure your documents are complete and correct before submission, which reduces delays and back-and-forth with the bank.

What is the minimum income requirement for Security Bank home loans?

Security Bank requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000 for home loan applicants. This applies across employment types including salaried employees, self-employed individuals, professionals, and OFWs. Income from a spouse or co-borrower may be considered to meet this requirement. PNB's minimum income requirement is approximately 40,000 per month based on available data, though this may vary by product.