Security Bank vs UnionBank: Interest Rate Comparison
Interest rates are the single biggest factor in your monthly mortgage payment — and over a 20-year loan, even a 0.25% difference can add up to hundreds of thousands of pesos. Here's how Security Bank and UnionBank compare on advertised home loan rates.
| Fixed Period | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Fixed | 6.99% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
| 5-Year Fixed | 6.75% p.a. | Not Available |
| Home Equity / Multi-Purpose | 7.50% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
Note: Interest rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with the bank or through Nook before making a decision.
Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% is a standout offer — locking in a low rate for five years gives borrowers strong protection against future rate increases. UnionBank, meanwhile, offers a competitive 7.00% on both its 1-year fixed and home equity products, giving it an edge specifically for multi-purpose or home equity loans.
Monthly Payment Comparison: Real Numbers
Let's run the numbers on a sample loan of 3,000,000 over a 20-year term to see how these rates translate to actual monthly payments.
| Scenario | Security Bank (6.75%) | UnionBank (7.00%) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | 22,714 | 23,259 |
| Total Interest Paid (20 yrs) | 2,451,360 | 2,582,160 |
| Difference | 130,800 in savings with Security Bank | |
On a 3,000,000 loan, choosing Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate over UnionBank's 1-year fixed rate saves approximately 545 per month and over 130,000 over the life of the loan. That's a meaningful difference — and it grows larger for bigger loan amounts.
For a 5,000,000 loan, the gap widens: Security Bank borrowers would save roughly 218,000 in total interest compared to UnionBank at 7.00%.
Eligibility & Borrower Requirements
Rates don't matter if you don't qualify. Here's how both banks compare on borrower eligibility criteria.
| Requirement | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly Income | 50,000 | 30,000 |
| Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio | 40% | 50% |
| Private Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Government Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| BPO Workers | ✓ | ✓ |
| OFW / Seafarers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Employed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professionals | ✓ | ✓ |
| Freelancers | ✓ | ✗ |
Key takeaway: UnionBank is more accessible for borrowers earning between 30,000 and 49,999 per month, and its higher DTI cap of 50% means borrowers with existing debts (car loans, credit cards) are more likely to qualify. Security Bank, on the other hand, accepts freelancers — a significant advantage for the growing gig economy workforce in the Philippines.
Loan Purpose Coverage
Both banks cover a wide range of home loan purposes, but there are some differences worth noting.
| Loan Purpose | Security Bank | UnionBank |
|---|---|---|
| Refinancing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Home Equity / Multi-Purpose | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ready for Occupancy (RFO) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Selling | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Construction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renovation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reselling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreclosed Properties | ✓ | ✓ |
This is an important distinction: Security Bank explicitly supports home loan refinancing, while UnionBank's product lineup does not currently list refinancing as a supported purpose. If you're an existing homeowner looking to refinance your mortgage to a lower rate, Security Bank is the clear choice between the two. You can also explore how Security Bank's refinance rates compare in our Landbank vs Security Bank comparison.
Processing Speed & Application Experience
Security Bank has a typical approval timeline of approximately 23 business days from submission of complete documents — a solid benchmark in the Philippine home loan market. UnionBank does not publicly disclose a standard approval timeline, so borrowers should inquire directly or through Nook for the most current processing estimates.
Both banks offer digital-friendly application processes, and through Nook, you can submit your documents once and have them routed to multiple banks simultaneously — saving you time and the hassle of managing multiple bank applications on your own.
Who Should Choose Security Bank?
- Borrowers who want the lowest possible 5-year fixed rate (6.75% p.a.)
- Homeowners looking to refinance an existing home loan
- Freelancers and independent contractors who may not qualify elsewhere
- Borrowers who want long-term rate certainty and protection against rate hikes
- Those comparing options — see also our Asia United Bank vs Security Bank breakdown for another perspective
Who Should Choose UnionBank?
- Borrowers earning between 30,000 and 49,999 per month who don't meet Security Bank's income floor
- Those with higher existing debt loads who need the 50% DTI flexibility
- Borrowers seeking a home equity loan at 7.00% — slightly better than Security Bank's 7.50%
- Those interested in comparing UnionBank against government-backed options (see our Pag-IBIG vs UnionBank comparison)
Apply Through Nook — It's Free
Nook is the Philippines' first digital mortgage broker. We work with both Security Bank and UnionBank as partner banks, which means we can help you apply to one or both — at no cost to you. Our service is 100% free for borrowers. We're paid by the banks, not by you.
In one application, we'll match you with the best available offer based on your income, property, and financial profile. No more running between bank branches or submitting the same documents multiple times.
Not sure which bank suits you?
Nook compares offers from 15+ banks for free. See your personalised options.
Compare My Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a lower home loan rate — Security Bank or UnionBank?
For 1-year fixed rates, the two banks are nearly identical: Security Bank at 6.99% and UnionBank at 7.00%. However, Security Bank pulls ahead with its 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% p.a. — a product UnionBank does not currently offer. For home equity loans, UnionBank's 7.00% beats Security Bank's 7.50%. So the better rate depends on which product you need.
Can I refinance my home loan with UnionBank?
UnionBank does not currently list refinancing as a supported home loan purpose. If you're looking to refinance an existing mortgage, Security Bank is the better option of the two — and through Nook, you can apply for free and compare Security Bank's refinance offer against other lenders in the market.
What is the minimum income requirement for Security Bank and UnionBank home loans?
Security Bank requires a minimum monthly income of 50,000, while UnionBank's threshold is lower at 30,000 per month. This makes UnionBank more accessible for borrowers in lower income brackets, including young professionals and dual-income households with individually moderate salaries.
How long does Security Bank take to approve a home loan?
Security Bank's typical approval timeline is approximately 23 business days from the submission of complete documents. This is a competitive turnaround in the Philippine home loan market. Applying through Nook can help speed up the process since our team helps you prepare and submit complete documentation from the start.
Can freelancers apply for a home loan with Security Bank or UnionBank?
Yes — Security Bank accepts freelancers as eligible borrowers, making it one of the more flexible banks for the self-employed and gig economy workers. UnionBank, by contrast, does not list freelancers among its accepted employment types. If you're a freelancer, Security Bank is the better option of these two.
Is it safe to apply for a home loan through Nook?
Yes. Nook is a licensed and registered mortgage broker in the Philippines. Your personal and financial information is handled securely and submitted only to banks you authorize. Nook's service is completely free for borrowers — we are compensated by partner banks, not by applicants.
What's the difference between a 1-year fixed and a 5-year fixed home loan rate?
A 1-year fixed rate locks in your interest rate for the first year only — after which the bank reprices your loan based on prevailing market rates. A 5-year fixed rate locks in your rate for five years, giving you more payment stability and protection against rate increases. Security Bank's 5-year fixed rate of 6.75% is lower than its 1-year fixed rate of 6.99%, making it an attractive option for borrowers who value certainty.