⚖️ Bank Comparison

Security Bank vs BDO

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

Security Bank offers a 5-year fixed option at 6.75% while BDO leads with a 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% — comparing both side by side could save you tens of thousands of pesos over the life of your home loan.

Our Verdict

BDO Wins on Rate, Security Bank Wins on Flexibility — Your Best Move Depends on Your Priority

BDO's 1-year fixed rate of 6.00% is the lowest entry point between these two banks, making it the stronger choice if you want to minimize interest costs and are comfortable repricing annually. Security Bank counters with a 5-year fixed option at 6.75%, which offers more payment certainty over a longer horizon — valuable if you prioritize predictability. Both are Nook partner banks, so you can apply to either (or both) at zero cost and let Nook negotiate on your behalf.

Security Bank vs BDO Home Loan Rates: At a Glance

Below is a direct side-by-side comparison of Security Bank and BDO home loan rates and key features as of 2026. Note that interest rates are subject to change — always verify current rates with Nook or directly with the bank before submitting your application.

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 Debt-to-Income40%40%
Typical Approval Time23 days30 days
Accepted Employment TypesPrivate, Gov't, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional, FreelancerPrivate, Gov't, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional
Loan Purposes CoveredRefinancing, Home Equity, RFO, Pre-Selling, New Construction, Renovation, Reselling, ForeclosedRefinancing, Home Equity, RFO, Pre-Selling, New Construction, Renovation, Reselling, Foreclosed
Nook Partner BankYes — apply freeYes — apply free

Monthly Payment Comparison: Who Saves You More?

Let's put the rates to work with a realistic example. Assume a 3,000,000 peso home loan over a 20-year term. Here's how the monthly amortization breaks down under each bank's 1-year fixed rate:

ScenarioSecurity Bank (6.99%)BDO (6.00%)
Loan Amount3,000,0003,000,000
Term20 years20 years
Monthly Payment (approx.)23,25621,491
Annual Payment279,072257,892
Difference per Year~21,180 in favor of BDO

Over the first repricing period alone, BDO's lower 1-year fixed rate saves approximately 21,180 pesos annually on a 3,000,000 peso loan. However, if you value locking in a rate for five years, Security Bank's 6.75% 5-year fixed option would produce an approximate monthly payment of 23,001 pesos — only slightly above BDO's 1-year rate while giving you 5 years of certainty.

For larger loan amounts, the gap widens. On a 5,000,000 peso loan over 20 years:

ScenarioSecurity Bank (6.99%)BDO (6.00%)
Monthly Payment (approx.)38,76035,819
Annual Savings with BDO~35,292

These figures are illustrative. Actual payments depend on the bank's computation method, any fees included in the amortization, and your final approved rate.

Rate Structure Deep Dive: Fixed Period Options

One of the most important — and most overlooked — differences between Security Bank and BDO is how they structure their fixed-rate periods.

BDO: Short-Term Fixed, Competitive Entry Rate

BDO's published home loan rate is 6.00% p.a. for a 1-year fixed period, which is also the rate applied to Home Equity loans. This makes BDO particularly attractive for borrowers who:

The trade-off: after the 1-year fixed period expires, your rate will be repriced based on market conditions. If rates rise, your monthly payment increases. Borrowers who prefer predictability should factor this in.

Security Bank: Multi-Tier Fixed Options Including 5-Year Lock

Security Bank offers more flexibility in fixed-rate period selection. Their current published rates are:

The 5-year fixed at 6.75% is a standout feature. For many borrowers, paying 0.75% more than BDO's 1-year rate is a reasonable premium for five years of payment certainty — especially for household budgeting, long-term financial planning, or OFW families managing remittances.

For a deeper look at how these two banks compare specifically for refinancing, see our BDO vs Security Bank home loan refinance rates 2026 comparison.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?

Both Security Bank and BDO share identical minimum income requirements and debt-to-income ratios, which makes them accessible to a similar borrower profile. Here's a breakdown:

Income Requirements

Both banks require a minimum monthly income of 50,000 pesos. This applies to employed, self-employed, and OFW applicants, though documentation requirements vary by employment type.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Both banks cap DTI at 40%. This means your total monthly loan obligations — including the new home loan payment — must not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income. For example, if you earn 100,000 pesos per month, your total monthly debt payments should not exceed 40,000 pesos.

Employment Types Accepted

This is where Security Bank has a slight edge: it explicitly accepts Freelancers in addition to all the employment categories BDO covers (Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, and Professionals). If you work as a freelancer — a growing segment in the Philippines — Security Bank may be the more accessible option.

Loan Purposes

Both banks support the same wide range of loan purposes: refinancing, home equity, ready-for-occupancy (RFO), pre-selling, new construction, renovation, reselling, and foreclosed properties. Neither bank restricts you to a narrow use case.

Processing Speed: Security Bank is Faster on Paper

If time is a factor — for example, if you're refinancing ahead of a rate repricing deadline or need funds for a renovation — processing speed matters.

Security Bank's 23-day typical approval timeline is approximately one week faster than BDO's 30 days. In practice, both timelines can vary depending on document completeness, property appraisal scheduling, and your specific loan scenario. Applying through Nook can help accelerate the process since Nook pre-screens your documents before submission to the bank.

Home Equity Loans: BDO Has the Clear Advantage

If your primary goal is a home equity loan — borrowing against the value of your existing property — the rate gap between the two banks is significant:

That's a 1.50 percentage point difference. On a 2,000,000 peso home equity loan over 10 years, this translates to a meaningful difference in monthly payments:

BankRateMonthly Payment (approx.)Total Interest Paid
BDO6.00%22,204664,480
Security Bank7.50%23,778853,360
Difference1.50%1,574/month~188,880

For home equity purposes specifically, BDO's 6.00% rate represents substantial savings over the loan term.

Which Bank Should You Choose?

Here's a simple decision guide based on your priorities:

Your PriorityRecommended Bank
Lowest possible starting rateBDO (6.00% 1-year fixed)
5-year payment certaintySecurity Bank (6.75% 5-year fixed)
Home equity loanBDO (6.00% vs 7.50%)
Faster approvalSecurity Bank (~23 days)
Freelancer employment typeSecurity Bank
Lowest rate overallBDO

Not sure which fits your situation? Nook can assess both options for you simultaneously — at no cost. As the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, Nook submits your application to both banks and helps you compare actual offers side by side before you commit. You can also review our BDO vs Security Bank home loan takeout rates comparison if you're considering moving your existing loan from another bank.

Important: All rates listed are subject to change. Verify the latest rates with Nook or directly with the banks before applying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current home loan rate of Security Bank vs BDO in 2026?

As of 2026, BDO offers a 1-year fixed home loan rate of 6.00% p.a., while Security Bank offers a 1-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a. and a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. BDO has the lower 1-year rate, but Security Bank's 5-year fixed option provides more long-term payment stability. Rates are subject to change — verify current rates through Nook before applying.

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

It depends on your goal. If you want the lowest possible rate right now, BDO's 6.00% 1-year fixed is the better choice. If you want to lock in your rate for 5 years and avoid repricing risk, Security Bank's 6.75% 5-year fixed is a compelling option. Nook can help you compare actual offers from both banks for free.

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

Security Bank's typical approval time is approximately 23 days, while BDO typically takes around 30 days. Actual timelines can vary based on document completeness and property appraisal scheduling. Applying through Nook helps ensure your documents are in order before submission, which can speed up the process at either bank.

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

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

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

Security Bank explicitly accepts freelancers as an eligible employment type, in addition to private employees, government workers, BPO workers, OFW/seafarers, self-employed individuals, and professionals. BDO's published eligible employment types do not currently include freelancers as a separate category. If you are a freelancer, Security Bank may be the more suitable option.

Which bank has a better home equity loan rate — Security Bank or BDO?

BDO offers a significantly lower home equity loan rate at 6.00% p.a. compared to Security Bank's 7.50% p.a. On a 2,000,000 peso home equity loan over 10 years, this difference amounts to roughly 188,880 pesos in total interest savings in favor of BDO. If a home equity loan is your primary purpose, BDO is the stronger choice based on current published rates.

Is it free to apply for a home loan through Nook?

Yes. Nook's service is 100% free to borrowers. As the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, Nook does not charge application fees, broker fees, or processing fees. Nook is compensated by the bank upon successful loan release, so you get professional mortgage guidance at no cost to you.

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

Yes. One of the key advantages of using Nook is that you can submit a single application and have Nook assess your eligibility and potential offers from multiple partner banks — including both Security Bank and BDO — simultaneously. This saves you time and allows you to compare real offers before deciding.