⚖️ Bank Comparison

Security Bank vs EastWest Bank

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

Security Bank and EastWest Bank are both strong home loan options in 2026 — but their rates, income requirements, and approval timelines differ in ways that could save you tens of thousands of pesos. Here's a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.

Our Verdict

EastWest Bank wins on rate — Security Bank wins on flexibility for some borrowers

For most Filipino homeowners looking to refinance or purchase in 2026, EastWest Bank's lower starting rate of 5.99% p.a. (1-year fixed) gives it a clear edge over Security Bank's 6.99% p.a. — a difference that can translate to tens of thousands in savings annually on a mid-sized loan. Security Bank's slightly higher income floor (P50,000/month vs P40,000/month) also makes EastWest more accessible to a wider range of borrowers. That said, both banks are Nook partner banks, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific loan amount, employment type, and repayment horizon — which is exactly what Nook helps you figure out, for free.

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 PeriodSecurity BankEastWest BankDifference
1-Year Fixed6.99% p.a.5.99% p.a.EastWest lower by 1.00%
3-Year Fixed7.25% p.a.6.25% p.a.EastWest lower by 1.00%
5-Year Fixed7.75% p.a.6.49% p.a.EastWest lower by 1.26%
7-Year FixedN/A7.00% p.a.EastWest only
Home Equity7.50% 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:

BankRateEst. Monthly PaymentAnnual Interest Cost (Year 1)
Security Bank6.99% p.a.approx 31,052approx 275,256
EastWest Bank5.99% p.a.approx 28,634approx 235,584
Savings with EastWestapprox 2,418/monthapprox 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 FactorSecurity BankEastWest Bank
Minimum Monthly IncomeP50,000P40,000
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio40%40%
Private/Salaried Employees
Government Employees
BPO Workers
OFW / Seafarers
Self-Employed
Professionals
FreelancersNot 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 PurposeSecurity BankEastWest 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.

BankTypical Approval Time
Security Bankapprox 23 days
EastWest Bankapprox 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:

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.

Not sure which bank suits you?

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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.