Security Bank vs UnionBank Home Loan: Side-by-Side Rate Comparison
Both Security Bank and UnionBank are Nook partner banks, which means you can apply to either — or both — through Nook's free digital mortgage broker service. Below is a direct comparison of their published home loan rates as of 2026. Note that interest rates are subject to change; always verify current rates before applying.
| Fixed Period | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed | 6.99% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
| 3-Year Fixed | 7.25% p.a. | Not offered |
| 5-Year Fixed | 7.75% p.a. | Not offered |
| Home Equity | 7.50% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
At first glance, the 1-year fixed rates are nearly identical — Security Bank at 6.99% and UnionBank at 7.00%. However, Security Bank's range of multi-year fixed options gives borrowers the ability to lock in a rate for 3 or 5 years, protecting against future rate increases. UnionBank currently offers only the 1-year fixed period for standard home loans.
Monthly Payment Comparison: What Does the Difference Actually Cost You?
Let's put these rates into peso terms. For a 3,000,000 home loan on a 20-year term, here's how the monthly payments compare at the 1-year fixed rate:
| Loan Amount | Term | Security Bank (6.99%) | UnionBank (7.00%) | Monthly Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000,000 | 20 years | ~23,240/mo | ~23,260/mo | ~20/mo |
| 5,000,000 | 20 years | ~38,734/mo | ~38,768/mo | ~34/mo |
| 8,000,000 | 20 years | ~61,975/mo | ~62,028/mo | ~53/mo |
At the 1-year fixed rate, the difference between the two banks is minimal — less than 100 pesos per month for most loan sizes. The real decision comes down to your income level, the loan purpose, and how long you want to lock in your rate. If you're currently paying 8% or higher on an existing home loan, both banks represent significant potential savings. Use Nook's free calculator to see your personalized savings estimate.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies?
One of the most important practical differences between Security Bank and UnionBank is the minimum monthly income requirement.
| Requirement | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly Income | 50,000 | 30,000 |
| Maximum DTI Ratio | 40% | 50% |
| Employment Types Accepted | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional, Freelancer | Private, Government, BPO, OFW/Seafarer, Self-Employed, Professional |
UnionBank's 30,000 minimum monthly income makes it accessible to a much broader pool of Filipino borrowers — including many who may earn too little to qualify for Security Bank. UnionBank also accepts a higher debt-to-income ratio of 50%, meaning borrowers who carry other obligations (car loans, credit cards) may still qualify.
Security Bank, on the other hand, accepts freelancers as a borrower type — a category UnionBank does not explicitly list. If you work as a freelancer or independent contractor, Security Bank may be the only option of the two that will consider your application.
Loan Purposes: What Can You Use the Loan For?
| Loan Purpose | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Home Equity / Cash Out | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ready For Occupancy (RFO) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Selling | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Construction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reselling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreclosed Property | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renovation | ✓ | ✓ |
This is where the two banks diverge most significantly. Security Bank explicitly supports refinancing, making it one of the best options for homeowners looking to lower their existing mortgage rate. If you're currently paying 8%, 9%, or even 10% interest and want to refinance, Security Bank should be at the top of your list. For a deeper look at how these two banks stack up across different scenarios, see our UnionBank vs Security Bank housing loan comparison.
UnionBank's home equity product at 7.00% is competitive for borrowers who want to tap into their property's value — particularly since UnionBank's home equity rate matches or beats Security Bank's in that category.
Approval Speed and Application Process
| Factor | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Approval Time | ~23 days | Varies |
| Digital Application | ✓ via Nook | ✓ via Nook |
| Free Broker Service | ✓ through Nook | ✓ through Nook |
Security Bank has a published typical approval timeline of around 23 days when applying through Nook. Applying through Nook means a dedicated mortgage advisor manages your documents, follows up with the bank on your behalf, and keeps you informed — at zero cost to you. Whether you choose Security Bank or UnionBank, Nook's free service removes the friction of going directly to the bank.
Refinancing with Security Bank vs UnionBank
If your primary goal is to refinance an existing home loan and reduce your monthly payment, Security Bank is the clear choice between the two. It explicitly supports refinancing as a loan purpose, offers a low 1-year fixed rate of 6.99%, and provides the flexibility to lock in for 3 or 5 years if you want longer-term stability.
Consider this example: A homeowner with a 4,000,000 balance remaining on a 10% home loan is paying approximately 38,600 per month. Refinancing with Security Bank at 6.99% over a new 20-year term could bring that down to approximately 30,987 per month — a savings of over 7,600 per month, or more than 91,000 per year.
If you want to see how Security Bank and UnionBank compare alongside a third major lender, our BDO vs UnionBank vs Security Bank comparison gives you a broader picture of the market.
Note: All rate and payment figures are for illustration purposes. Actual rates are subject to change and depend on individual credit profiles and bank approval. Always confirm current rates directly with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.
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Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a lower home loan rate — Security Bank or UnionBank?
At the 1-year fixed period, Security Bank offers 6.99% p.a. versus UnionBank's 7.00% p.a. — a difference of just 0.01%. For home equity loans, UnionBank offers 7.00% while Security Bank offers 7.50%, making UnionBank the better option for that specific product. Rates are subject to change, so verify current figures through Nook before applying.
Can I use UnionBank for home loan refinancing?
Based on current information, UnionBank does not explicitly list refinancing as a supported loan purpose, whereas Security Bank does. If your goal is to refinance an existing mortgage to a lower rate, Security Bank is the more straightforward choice. Nook can confirm your eligibility and guide you through the process for free.
What is the minimum income required for a Security Bank home loan vs UnionBank?
Security Bank requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000, while UnionBank requires only 30,000 per month. If your income falls between 30,000 and 49,999 per month, UnionBank may be your better option. Both banks accept various employment types including private employees, government workers, OFWs, and the self-employed.
Does Security Bank offer longer fixed-rate periods than UnionBank?
Yes. Security Bank offers 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year fixed rate options. UnionBank currently offers only a 1-year fixed rate. If you want the security of locking in your rate for several years — particularly useful if you expect interest rates to rise — Security Bank gives you more choices.
How long does Security Bank take to approve a home loan?
Security Bank's typical approval timeline is approximately 23 days when applying through Nook. Nook's mortgage advisors help ensure your documents are complete and submitted correctly, which reduces delays. This service is 100% free to borrowers.
Can freelancers apply for a home loan at Security Bank or UnionBank?
Security Bank explicitly accepts freelancers as an eligible employment type for home loans. UnionBank's listed employment types do not currently include freelancers. If you work as a freelancer or independent contractor, Security Bank is the more suitable option between the two.
Is it free to apply through Nook for either Security Bank or UnionBank?
Yes. Nook's mortgage broker service is completely free for borrowers. You pay nothing for Nook's help comparing rates, preparing documents, and submitting your application to Security Bank, UnionBank, or both. Nook is compensated by the banks, not the borrower.
What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio for Security Bank vs UnionBank home loans?
Security Bank allows a maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 40%, while UnionBank allows up to 50%. If you have existing loan obligations that make up a significant portion of your income, UnionBank's higher DTI limit may make it easier to qualify.