⚖️ Bank Comparison

Security Bank vs RCBC

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

Security Bank and RCBC both offer competitive housing loans in the Philippines, but their rates, approval timelines, and eligibility rules differ in ways that could save — or cost — you hundreds of thousands of pesos over your loan term. Here's the side-by-side breakdown you need before you decide.

Our Verdict

Security Bank edges out RCBC for most Filipino homebuyers — especially on rate, speed, and flexibility.

Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. is lower than RCBC's 1-year fixed of 7.00%, and its 23-day typical approval time is significantly faster than RCBC's 49 days. Security Bank also accepts a wider range of employment types — including freelancers, BPO workers, and OFW seafarers — and supports more loan purposes such as new construction and renovation, making it the more versatile choice for most borrowers. That said, RCBC remains a solid option if you already bank with them or prefer their branch network. Either way, applying through Nook is free and lets you compare both banks with one submission.

Security Bank vs RCBC Housing Loan: Quick Comparison Table

Both Security Bank and RCBC are Nook partner banks, meaning you can apply to either — or both — through Nook at zero cost. The table below uses verified 2026 rates directly from each bank.

FeatureSecurity BankRCBC
1-Year Fixed Rate6.99% p.a.7.00% p.a.
5-Year Fixed Rate6.75% p.a.Not offered
Home Equity Rate7.50% p.a.8.00% p.a.
Min. Monthly Income50,00050,000
Max Debt-to-Income Ratio40%30%
Typical Approval Time23 days49 days
Loan Purposes Supported6 purposes5 purposes
Employment Types Accepted7 types4 types
Nook Partner Bank✓ Yes✓ Yes

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

Interest Rate Comparison: Which Bank Is Cheaper?

On a short 1-year fixed period, the two banks are virtually tied — Security Bank at 6.99% p.a. versus RCBC at 7.00% p.a. The real difference emerges when you look beyond one year.

Security Bank offers a 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a., which RCBC does not match. Locking in a lower rate for five years provides significant payment stability and long-term savings, especially in a rising interest rate environment.

To put this in peso terms: on a 3,000,000 loan over 20 years, the difference between a 6.75% and a 7.00% rate translates to roughly 4,500 to 5,500 pesos in monthly savings — and over 1,000,000 pesos in total interest saved over the life of the loan.

On the home equity side, Security Bank's 7.50% p.a. is also more competitive than RCBC's 8.00% p.a. — a 50 basis point difference that adds up quickly on large loan amounts.

If you're also evaluating other major lenders, see how these two stack up in our Metrobank vs BPI vs Security Bank home loan rates comparison for a broader market view.

Eligibility & Income Requirements

Both banks require a minimum monthly income of 50,000 pesos, so entry-level eligibility is the same. However, the differences in debt-to-income (DTI) limits and accepted employment types are significant.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Security Bank allows a maximum DTI of 40%, while RCBC caps it at 30%. In practice, this means Security Bank can approve a larger loan for the same income. For example, a borrower earning 80,000 per month could qualify for a monthly amortization of up to 32,000 with Security Bank, versus only 24,000 with RCBC — a meaningful difference in purchasing power.

Accepted Employment Types

Security Bank

  • ✓ Private Employee
  • ✓ Government Employee
  • ✓ BPO Worker
  • ✓ OFW / Seafarer
  • ✓ Self-Employed
  • ✓ Professional
  • ✓ Freelancer

RCBC

  • ✓ Private Employee
  • ✗ Government Employee
  • ✗ BPO Worker
  • ✓ OFW / Seafarer
  • ✓ Self-Employed
  • ✓ Professional
  • ✗ Freelancer

Security Bank's broader employment acceptance makes it the more accessible option for BPO workers, government employees, and freelancers — three of the largest segments of the Philippine workforce. RCBC's narrower eligibility doesn't mean it's a bad bank, but it does mean more borrowers will qualify with Security Bank.

Loan Purposes: What Can You Finance?

Not all housing loans are created equal — some banks restrict which property types or transaction purposes they'll finance.

Security Bank

  • ✓ Refinancing
  • ✓ Ready for Occupancy (RFO)
  • ✓ Pre-Selling
  • ✓ Home Equity
  • ✓ New Construction
  • ✓ Renovation
  • ✓ Reselling
  • ✓ Foreclosed Properties

RCBC

  • ✓ Refinancing
  • ✓ Ready for Occupancy (RFO)
  • ✓ Pre-Selling
  • ✓ Home Equity
  • ✓ Reselling
  • ✓ Foreclosed Properties
  • ✗ New Construction
  • ✗ Renovation

If you're planning to build a new home from the ground up or fund a major renovation, Security Bank is your only option between the two. RCBC focuses on completed or near-completed property purchases, which suits buyers who already have a specific unit or lot in mind.

For a deeper dive into Security Bank's loan structures, terms, and calculator, visit our Security Bank housing loan guide.

Approval Speed: 23 Days vs 49 Days

This is one of the most underrated factors when choosing a bank — and the gap here is large. Security Bank's typical approval time is 23 days, while RCBC typically takes 49 days. That's more than three extra weeks of waiting.

In a competitive real estate market, faster approval can be the difference between securing your dream property or losing it to another buyer. Pre-selling properties often have payment deadlines tied to reservation agreements, and resale properties involve motivated sellers who may not wait two months for bank confirmation.

If you need financing quickly — whether for a hot pre-selling launch, an estate sale, or a refinancing deadline — Security Bank's processing speed is a meaningful advantage.

Refinancing: Which Bank Gives You a Better Deal?

If you're an existing homeowner looking to lower your monthly payments, both banks accept refinancing applications. But the numbers favor Security Bank.

Consider a homeowner with a remaining loan balance of 3,500,000, currently paying 8.5% interest at another bank. If they refinance to Security Bank's 5-year fixed at 6.75%, their monthly savings could be significant — and the faster approval means less time exposed to their old, higher rate.

At Nook, we help homeowners refinance for free. We submit to multiple partner banks simultaneously, so you don't have to choose blindly — you get actual offers from banks like Security Bank and RCBC and can compare them side by side before committing. The best refinance rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. — well below what most Filipino homeowners are currently paying.

Applying Through Nook: One Application, Two Banks

You don't have to choose between Security Bank and RCBC before you apply. When you use Nook, you submit one application and we handle the rest — submitting to the banks most likely to approve you at the best rate, based on your income, employment type, and property details.

Whether you end up with Security Bank, RCBC, or another lender entirely, Nook ensures you're making an informed decision with real numbers — not guesswork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a lower housing loan rate — Security Bank or RCBC?

Security Bank generally offers lower rates. Its 1-year fixed rate of 6.99% p.a. is just barely below RCBC's 7.00% p.a., but its 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. is a stronger advantage — and RCBC doesn't offer a comparable 5-year fixed product. On home equity loans, Security Bank (7.50%) also beats RCBC (8.00%). Rates are subject to change, so verify current rates through Nook or directly with the bank.

Which bank approves housing loans faster — Security Bank or RCBC?

Security Bank is significantly faster. Its typical approval time is 23 days, compared to RCBC's 49 days. If you're in a time-sensitive situation — such as a pre-selling deadline or a motivated seller — Security Bank's processing speed is a meaningful advantage.

What is the minimum income required for a Security Bank or RCBC housing loan?

Both banks require a minimum monthly income of 50,000 pesos. However, Security Bank allows a higher debt-to-income ratio of up to 40%, compared to RCBC's 30% cap — meaning Security Bank can approve a larger loan for the same income level.

Can freelancers or BPO workers apply for a Security Bank or RCBC housing loan?

Yes for Security Bank — it accepts freelancers, BPO workers, private employees, government employees, OFWs, self-employed individuals, and professionals. RCBC has a narrower scope and does not list BPO workers, government employees, or freelancers among its accepted employment types. If you fall into one of those categories, Security Bank is the better fit.

Can I use either bank to finance a new home construction or renovation?

Security Bank supports both new construction and renovation loans, in addition to purchase and refinancing purposes. RCBC does not offer new construction or renovation financing. If you're building or renovating, Security Bank is your only option between the two.

Is it free to apply through Nook for a Security Bank or RCBC housing loan?

Yes — Nook's service is 100% free for borrowers. Nook is compensated by the bank when your loan is approved, so you pay nothing for the comparison, application assistance, or mortgage advisory service. You can apply to both banks through a single Nook application without any obligation to accept an offer.

What is the best refinancing rate available right now?

The best refinancing rate currently available through Nook is 5.99% p.a. Most Filipino homeowners are currently paying between 7% and 10%, so refinancing through Nook can lead to substantial monthly and lifetime savings. You can apply for free and receive actual offers from partner banks including Security Bank and RCBC.

Does RCBC offer a 5-year fixed housing loan rate?

Based on verified partner bank data, RCBC currently offers a 1-year fixed rate of 7.00% p.a. but does not publish a 5-year fixed rate product comparable to Security Bank's 6.75% p.a. offering. If rate stability over a longer period is important to you, Security Bank's 5-year fixed option is a key differentiator. Always confirm the latest product offerings directly with the bank or through Nook.