⚖️ Bank Comparison

Security Bank vs BDO

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

Security Bank and BDO are two of the Philippines' most popular home loan providers — but their rates, fees, and approval timelines differ in ways that could save you hundreds of thousands of pesos. Here's an honest, side-by-side breakdown to help you choose the right one.

Our Verdict

BDO Offers the Lower Starting Rate, But Security Bank Has Faster Approval

BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. edges out Security Bank's 6.99% p.a., making it the stronger choice for borrowers who want the lowest possible starting rate on a large loan. However, Security Bank's typical approval time of 23 days is faster than BDO's 30 days, which matters if you're on a tight timeline. The good news: through Nook, you can apply to both banks for free and let them compete for your business.

Security Bank vs BDO Home Loan: At a Glance

Both Security Bank and BDO are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook at zero cost to you. The table below gives you a fast snapshot of how they compare across the metrics that matter most to Filipino homebuyers and refinancers in 2026.

FeatureSecurity BankBDO Unibank
1-Year Fixed Rate6.99% p.a.6.00% p.a.
5-Year Fixed Rate6.75% p.a.Not published
Home Equity Rate7.50% p.a.6.00% p.a.
Min. Monthly Income50,00050,000
Max DTI Ratio40%40%
Typical Approval Time23 days30 days
Accepted Employment TypesPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional, FreelancerPrivate, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
Loan Purposes CoveredPurchase, Refinancing, Home Equity, Renovation, Pre-Selling, RFO, Foreclosed, Reselling, New ConstructionPurchase, Refinancing, Home Equity, Renovation, Pre-Selling, RFO, Foreclosed, Reselling, New Construction
Nook Partner?✅ Yes✅ Yes

*Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.

Interest Rate Comparison: Which Bank Is Cheaper?

For most borrowers, the interest rate is the single biggest factor in a home loan decision. Let's put both banks' rates to work on a real example so you can see exactly what the numbers mean for your monthly budget.

Sample Loan: 3,500,000 over 20 years

Using a standard amortization formula at a fixed rate for the first year:

That's a difference of roughly 2,022 per month — or 24,264 per year — during the fixed-rate period. Over a 5-year fixed term, BDO's lower rate could mean savings of over 121,000 compared to Security Bank's 1-year fixed rate.

It's worth noting that Security Bank does offer a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a., which is competitive if you want longer rate certainty. BDO does not publicly advertise a 5-year fixed equivalent, so if locking in a rate for five years is a priority, Security Bank's 5-year product is worth serious consideration.

For homeowners looking to refinance, you can compare both banks' refinance products in detail on our BDO vs Security Bank refinance rates 2026 comparison.

Home Equity Loans: A Big Difference

If you're planning to borrow against the equity in your existing property — for example, to fund a renovation, consolidate debt, or cover a major expense — the rate gap between the two banks widens significantly.

That's a 1.50 percentage point difference. On a 2,000,000 home equity loan over 15 years, BDO's lower rate translates to savings of approximately 18,000–22,000 per year in interest costs. If a home equity loan is your primary goal, BDO is clearly the stronger option at current published rates.

Approval Speed: Security Bank Wins on Timeline

Speed matters — especially when you've found a property you love or your current fixed-rate period is about to reset.

Security Bank's 7-day advantage could be the deciding factor if you're working against a developer's reservation deadline or a seller's preferred closing date. Both banks process applications efficiently when documents are complete — applying through Nook helps ensure your file is submission-ready from day one, which can further reduce processing delays at both banks.

Eligibility & Who Can Apply

Both banks share the same minimum monthly income requirement of 50,000 and cap debt-to-income ratios at 40%, meaning their baseline eligibility criteria are comparable. However, there is one notable difference:

Security Bank explicitly accepts Freelancers as an eligible employment type, which BDO does not list in its current product guidelines. If you earn income from freelance work — whether locally or internationally — Security Bank may be the more accessible option for you.

Both banks welcome:

Loan Purpose Coverage: Both Are Comprehensive

Whether you're buying a ready-for-occupancy unit, purchasing a pre-selling condo, refinancing an existing loan, or taking out a loan for a foreclosed property, both Security Bank and BDO cover the full range of residential loan purposes. Neither bank has a meaningful edge here — both are versatile lenders for homebuyers and existing homeowners alike.

For homeowners specifically exploring a bank switch or takeout, see our dedicated BDO vs Security Bank home loan takeout rates comparison for a more detailed breakdown of refinancing scenarios.

Applying Through Nook: Why It Makes Sense for Both Banks

Nook is a licensed digital mortgage broker — the first of its kind in the Philippines — and both Security Bank and BDO are Nook partner banks. Here's what that means for you:

Whether BDO's lower rate or Security Bank's faster approval fits your needs better, Nook gives you the tools to make an informed decision without any cost or obligation.

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

Which has the lower home loan rate — Security Bank or BDO?

At current published rates, BDO offers the lower 1-year fixed rate at 6.00% p.a., compared to Security Bank's 6.99% p.a. However, Security Bank offers a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a., which may be attractive if you want longer rate certainty. For home equity loans, BDO's 6.00% p.a. is also significantly lower than Security Bank's 7.50% p.a. Rates are subject to change — always confirm the latest rates through Nook or directly with the bank before applying.

Which bank approves home loans faster — Security Bank or BDO?

Security Bank has a typical approval timeline of 23 days, while BDO typically takes around 30 days. If you're working against a deadline — such as a property reservation expiry or a refinancing reset date — Security Bank's faster turnaround may be the deciding factor. Applying through Nook can also help streamline your application by ensuring your documents are complete before submission.

Can freelancers apply for a home loan at Security Bank or BDO?

Security Bank explicitly accepts freelancers as an eligible employment type for home loans. BDO's current guidelines cover private employees, government workers, BPO workers, OFWs, self-employed individuals, and professionals, but do not specifically list freelancers. If you earn income primarily through freelance work, Security Bank may be the more accessible option.

What is the minimum monthly income required for a Security Bank or BDO home loan?

Both Security Bank and BDO require a minimum monthly income of 50,000. Both banks also apply a maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 40%, meaning your total monthly debt obligations — including your new home loan repayment — should not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income.

Can I apply to both Security Bank and BDO at the same time?

Yes — and that's exactly what Nook allows you to do. As a Nook partner broker, you can submit applications to both banks simultaneously through Nook's platform at no cost to you. You can then compare the actual loan offers you receive and choose the better deal. Nook's service is 100% free for borrowers.

Which bank is better for refinancing — Security Bank or BDO?

For refinancing, BDO's lower 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% p.a. generally makes it the stronger option for borrowers primarily focused on reducing their interest cost. Security Bank's refinancing product is also competitive and offers a 5-year fixed option at 6.75% p.a. if you prefer longer rate stability. The best choice depends on your remaining loan balance, current rate, and how long you plan to stay in the property. Nook can run a free savings analysis for your specific situation.

Are there fees for applying through Nook?

No. Nook's mortgage broker service is completely free for borrowers. Nook is compensated directly by the bank when a loan is successfully disbursed. You receive independent guidance, document support, and access to multiple bank offers without paying any broker fee.