Security Bank vs EastWest Bank: Rate Comparison (2026)
Interest rates are the single biggest factor in your total home loan cost. Here's how Security Bank and EastWest Bank stack up across all fixed-rate periods currently available through Nook.
| Fixed Period | Security Bank | EastWest Bank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed | 6.99% p.a. | 5.99% p.a. | EastWest lower by 1.00% |
| 3-Year Fixed | 7.25% p.a. | 6.25% p.a. | EastWest lower by 1.00% |
| 5-Year Fixed | 7.75% p.a. | 6.49% p.a. | EastWest lower by 1.26% |
| 7-Year Fixed | N/A | 7.00% p.a. | EastWest only |
| Home Equity | 7.50% p.a. | 6.25% p.a. | EastWest lower by 1.25% |
Note: Interest rates are subject to change without prior notice. Always verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.
What the Rate Difference Actually Means for Your Monthly Payment
A 1.00% difference in interest rate might sound small, but over a 20-year loan term it adds up quickly. Here's what the numbers look like on a P4,000,000 home loan (20-year term) under the 1-year fixed rate:
| Bank | Rate | Est. Monthly Payment | Annual Interest Cost (Year 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Bank | 6.99% p.a. | approx 31,052 | approx 275,256 |
| EastWest Bank | 5.99% p.a. | approx 28,634 | approx 235,584 |
| Savings with EastWest | — | approx 2,418/month | approx 29,016/year |
That's nearly 29,000 pesos in savings in the first year alone on a P4,000,000 loan. Over a 20-year term, the cumulative impact is substantial — even before accounting for re-pricing periods. For a deeper dive into how these two banks compare specifically for salaried borrowers, see our guide on EastWest Bank vs Security Bank home loan rates for salaried employees.
Eligibility & Income Requirements
Both banks have clear eligibility criteria. Here's how they compare on the key qualifying factors:
| Eligibility Factor | Security Bank | EastWest Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly Income | P50,000 | P40,000 |
| Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | 40% |
| Private/Salaried Employees | ✓ | ✓ |
| Government Employees | ✓ | ✓ |
| BPO Workers | ✓ | ✓ |
| OFW / Seafarers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professionals | ✓ | ✓ |
| Freelancers | ✓ | Not listed |
EastWest Bank's lower minimum income requirement of P40,000/month makes it accessible to a broader range of borrowers, including those earlier in their careers or with moderate-income households. Security Bank accepts freelancers as a formally listed employment type, which may benefit gig economy workers. If you're self-employed and trying to decide between the two, our article on EastWest Bank vs Security Bank for self-employed borrowers goes into much more detail.
Loan Purposes Supported
Both banks cover a wide range of home loan purposes, making them versatile for buyers and refinancers alike.
| Loan Purpose | Security Bank | EastWest Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Home Equity / Cash-Out | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ready For Occupancy (RFO) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Selling | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Construction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renovation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reselling / Assume Balance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreclosed Properties | ✓ | ✓ |
Both banks are essentially neck-and-neck on loan purposes — covering everything from standard RFO purchases to foreclosed property acquisitions and home equity loans. This makes either bank a viable option regardless of your transaction type.
Approval Speed
Approval timelines matter — especially if you're racing a developer's reservation deadline or a seller's timeline.
| Bank | Typical Approval Time |
|---|---|
| Security Bank | approx 23 days |
| EastWest Bank | approx 19 days |
EastWest Bank's typical approval time of 19 days is about 4 days faster than Security Bank's 23 days. In competitive property markets, that difference can be meaningful. Note that actual timelines depend on document completeness and individual circumstances — applying through Nook means a dedicated advisor helps you prepare a complete application from the start, which minimizes delays at both banks.
Applying Through Nook: What It Means for You
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker, and both Security Bank and EastWest Bank are Nook partner banks. Here's what that means in practice:
- Free service: Nook's mortgage brokering is 100% free to borrowers. You don't pay anything extra to apply through Nook versus applying directly at a branch.
- Side-by-side comparison: Nook lets you compare actual offers from both banks (and others) based on your specific income, loan amount, and property type — so you're not guessing.
- Dedicated advisor: A Nook advisor guides you through document preparation and submission, reducing back-and-forth with the bank.
- Faster approvals: Because Nook pre-screens applications before submission, approval rates and timelines tend to be better than walk-in applications.
Whether you're leaning toward Security Bank or EastWest Bank, the safest move is to let Nook run the numbers for your specific situation before you commit.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has the lower home loan rate in 2026 — Security Bank or EastWest Bank?
EastWest Bank has the lower rate. Its 1-year fixed rate starts at 5.99% p.a., compared to Security Bank's 6.99% p.a. — a 1.00 percentage point difference. EastWest Bank also offers lower rates across 3-year, 5-year, 7-year fixed, and home equity loan products. Rates are subject to change, so always confirm current offers through Nook or directly with the bank.
What is the minimum income requirement for Security Bank vs EastWest Bank?
Security Bank requires a minimum monthly income of P50,000, while EastWest Bank's minimum is P40,000 per month. This makes EastWest Bank more accessible if your household income is in the P40,000–P49,999 range. Both banks have a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 40%.
How long does it take to get approved for a home loan at Security Bank vs EastWest Bank?
EastWest Bank typically approves home loans in around 19 days, while Security Bank typically takes around 23 days. These are estimates based on complete applications — incomplete submissions can delay either bank. Applying through Nook helps ensure your documents are complete before submission, which supports faster processing.
Can I apply for a home loan at both Security Bank and EastWest Bank at the same time?
Yes, and in fact applying to multiple banks simultaneously is a smart strategy — it gives you real competing offers to compare. Nook makes this process easy: you submit your documents once, and Nook handles the submission to multiple partner banks on your behalf at no cost to you.
Does Security Bank or EastWest Bank accept self-employed borrowers?
Both banks accept self-employed borrowers. The documentation requirements for self-employed applicants differ slightly between the two banks — Nook's advisors can walk you through exactly what each bank requires for your specific business structure. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on EastWest Bank vs Security Bank for self-employed borrowers.
Which bank is better for refinancing — Security Bank or EastWest Bank?
Both banks support home loan refinancing, but EastWest Bank's lower starting rate of 5.99% p.a. (1-year fixed) makes it the stronger option for most refinancers in 2026. If you're currently paying 7% or higher on an existing home loan, refinancing to EastWest Bank through Nook could significantly reduce your monthly payments. Nook can calculate your exact savings based on your outstanding balance and remaining term.
Is EastWest Bank or Security Bank better for OFWs?
Both Security Bank and EastWest Bank accept OFW and seafarer applicants. The main differentiators are EastWest Bank's lower income floor (P40,000 vs P50,000) and lower interest rates, which give it a general advantage for OFWs seeking the most affordable loan. Nook works with OFW borrowers regularly and can help coordinate the documentation process remotely.
How much can I save by choosing EastWest Bank over Security Bank?
On a P4,000,000 loan over 20 years, the 1.00% rate difference between EastWest Bank (5.99% p.a.) and Security Bank (6.99% p.a.) translates to roughly 2,418 pesos less per month, or approximately 29,016 pesos in savings in the first year alone. The exact savings depend on your loan amount, term, and re-pricing schedule. Nook can generate a personalized savings estimate for free.