The bustling Philippine banking scene is dominated by several top-tier institutions known for their impressive asset portfolios and extensive service offerings. So, if you ever find yourself navigating through the myriad of banking options available at your disposal in the Philippines, keep in mind that although the options are plenty, finding the one that suits your needs the best can be quite challenging, and the process can be quite overwhelming.
Banking decisions are critical as they affect personal and business financial health, and having concise and comprehensive information before opting for one of the options is invaluable. Therefore, this blog provides an overview of the top commercial banks as of 2025, with detailed insights into each institution's asset size, service focus, and global ranking to help you decide which banking institution to approach for your financial needs in the Philippines.
Top 10 Commercial Banks in The Philippines as of 2025 - An Overview
1. BDO Unibank, Inc.
BDO Unibank, Inc. stands tall as the largest bank in the Philippines in terms of total assets as of the second quarter of 2024. With assets totaling PHP 4.6 trillion, BDO's solid financial footing is unsurpassed in the country. The bank's rise to the top can be traced back to its beginnings as Acme Savings Bank, acquired by the SM Group in 1976. It now operates as a subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation, a leading conglomerate with ventures in retail and real estate.
Apart from its national acclaim, BDO has also made a mark globally. In 2018, it was ranked 235th among the world's largest banks by The Banker's Top 1000 World Banks, a recognition that acknowledges its consistent growth and earnings. While these rankings might have evolved, they reflect BDO's long-standing impact on the banking industry.
The bank plays a crucial role in the Philippine banking market, which is poised for growth. With a projected net interest income of USD 7.50 billion by 2025, traditional banks like BDO are expected to command a significant portion of this market, aiming for a market volume of USD 6.76 billion in the coming years.
2. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank)
Metrobank is the second-largest bank in the Philippines by assets, holding an impressive total of PHP3.1 trillion as of 2023. This marked a 10.7% growth, underscoring Metrobank's stature as a leading financial institution in the country. Established in 1962, Metrobank has an extensive network with over 940 domestic branches and more than 2,300 ATMs, ensuring convenient access for customers.
Metrobank boasts a comprehensive range of financial services tailored to various client needs. For individuals, it provides lending and deposit products along with wealth management services. For businesses, Metrobank offers specialized services such as fund management, stock transfers, and corporate trust services to support financial management and regulatory compliance.
While Metrobank has been criticized on platforms like Reddit for some customer service aspects, particularly staff experiences, it still garners a strong reputation among traditional business circles. Its large network and reliable services remain a deciding factor for many businesses in the Philippines. Read on to learn more about what users had to say about this bank.
3. Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK)
Land Bank of the Philippines, known as LANDBANK, is a major player in the country's banking industry. With assets totaling PHP 3.3 trillion as of 2023, LANDBANK ranks as the third-largest bank in the Philippines. These assets also support its mission to expand beyond offering conventional banking services.
The bank is significantly focused on agricultural and rural development, with 51% of its loan portfolio in 2023 dedicated to countryside advancement. Investments target rural infrastructure, sustainability projects, and improvements in agricultural and fisheries production. These efforts are essential for modernizing farming methods and ensuring food security and economic growth in rural areas.
LANDBANK also indirectly supports SMEs, recognizing their importance in economic progress. Through financing in sectors like agribusiness, energy, affordable housing, and infrastructure, it creates a conducive environment for SMEs to grow and succeed.
Also Read: Getting a Loan Using Land as Collateral in the Philippines
4. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) holds a distinguished place as the oldest bank in Southeast Asia. Since its establishment on August 1, 1851, originally known as 'El Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II', it has played a significant role in the financial history of the Philippines. At one point in time, BPI issued and printed the Philippine peso.
In the contemporary banking scene in the Philippines, BPI ranks as the fourth largest bank by assets, with a total of approximately PHP 2.9 trillion as of 2023. It offers a comprehensive range of services that serve both individual and corporate needs, including consumer banking, lending, asset management, payments, insurance services, securities brokerage, and corporate investment banking.
BPI is often praised for its accessibility and customer-friendly services. With a wide network of branches and ATMs across the Philippines, it is a preferred choice for many. Reddit users in a discussion highlight BPI's ease of access and user-friendly digital platforms, like mobile and online banking, as strong points despite occasional long waiting times for in-person services.
5. China Banking Corporation (Chinabank)
China Banking Corporation, commonly known as Chinabank, is a formidable presence in the Philippine banking landscape. As one of the largest private banks in the country, it boasts an impressive asset base amounting to PHP 1.5 trillion, according to the report conducted in 2023. This substantial asset base not only highlights its financial strength but also ensures its competitive positioning among the leading financial institutions.
Chinabank is known for offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services tailored to meet the diverse financial needs of its clients. These services cater to both individual and corporate clients, offering everything from deposit accounts to loans and investment options.
Chinabank provides traditional deposit-related services such as savings, checking, and time deposits, along with foreign currency accounts. Consumer loans offer options like home, auto, and salary loans. There's also a wide array of investment opportunities, including unit investment trust funds and wealth management services.
In the corporate banking sphere, Chinabank delivers specialized services such as liquidity management, receivables and payables management, and import and export financing. Subsidiaries like China Bank Savings, China Bank Capital, and China Bank Securities enhance these offerings.
Chinabank embraces digital services, enabling clients to conveniently access their accounts via ATMs, online platforms, and mobile banking. In addition, they provide POS systems, government payments and collections, and corporate trust services, making Chinabank a versatile partner for both personal and business needs.
For those interested in exploring more about Chinabank's stature and its peers in the Philippine banking landscape, check this video for detailed insights into the top-ranking banks in the country. The video provides an overview of the strategies and influence of these financial giants, highlighting their substantial roles in the national economy.
6. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) is carving a niche in the Philippine banking scene through its innovative and tech-forward approach. A prime example of this innovation is the RCBC DiskarTech mobile app, recognized as the country's first multi-lingual financial inclusion mobile app.
The app acts as a financial hub offering a notable 3.5% annual interest on digital savings accounts with no initial deposits, minimum balances, or dormancy fees. This focus on accessible technology and ease of use has earned RCBC global recognition, including being named the best financial inclusion app by The Asian Banker.
Financially, as of late 2022, RCBC was substantial, with total assets exceeding PHP 1.2 trillion, further solidifying the evidence of its capacity to deliver comprehensive services across different market segments. Its extensive branch network further amplifies this capability, enhancing its accessibility to a broad customer base.
RCBC Moneybela Program
Aligning with its goal of breaking geographical boundaries, RCBC has introduced the RCBC Moneybela program, which utilizes sustainable e-trikes to extend banking services to remote areas. As of 2021, RCBC DiskarTech boasted over 45,000 touchpoints nationwide, underscoring its commitment to reach even underserved communities.
RCBC holds a license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for both commercial and investment banking. It offers a diverse range of services, including basic deposit accounts, bill payments, and even telemedicine through its MoneyBela Barangayan Banking initiative. Customers benefit from the bank's integrated systems that allow seamless transactions and account management through a unified dashboard.
Customer feedback on platforms like Reddit emphasizes the bank's competent service and digital offerings, with users expressing satisfaction regarding the app's user-friendliness, shorter branch queues, and responsive customer service compared to other banks like BDO. One user in particular highlighted the positive transition to RCBC, citing the efficiency and ease of their applications.
Also Read: MSME Loan Guide for Startups and New Businesses
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7. Philippine National Bank (PNB)
While the Philippine National Bank (PNB) is no longer government-controlled, it remains a formidable player in the banking sector of the Philippines. With its roots dating back to 1916, PNB significantly evolved after it was privatized in 1989. It is now under the helm of business tycoon Lucio Tan, yet it upholds its legacy of trust and reliability.
PNB boasts robust assets, reaching an impressive PHP 1.20 trillion as of March 31, 2024. Strategic expansions in loans and treasury assets have attributed to this growth, reaffirming its position as the seventh-largest bank in the country by assets.
PNB excels in offering a comprehensive array of financial services to its clientele. From traditional banking products like deposits and loans to more intricate services such as bill discounting and trade finance, PNB meets diverse customer needs. It also holds a strong presence in sectors like investment banking, treasury operations, and fund transfers, complemented by remittance and trust services.
Personal financial products are another forte of PNB, which include:
- savings and checking accounts
- credit cards
- housing and auto loans
- various insurance options
The bank's asset management services further enhance its reputation as a versatile financial institution.
Despite the transition from government ownership, PNB's legacy continues to benefit from its historical ties, providing a layer of public trust. Financial stability is underpinned by its strong capital adequacy ratios, significantly exceeding regulatory minimums with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17.8% and a Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 16.9%. This fortitude assures clients of PNB's dependability and strategic prowess.
Also Read: Guide to Consider PNB Personal Loans in The Philippines
8. Security Bank Corporation
Security Bank Corporation is a significant player in the Philippine banking industry, well-regarded for its strong focus on both corporate and retail banking. With a total asset base of approximately PHP 700 billion as of 2021, it is evident that the Security Bank has substantial financial strength.
The bank has an expansive national network with 313 branches and 787 ATMs as of 2021. This ensures that both individual and business clients have broad access to a myriad of banking services. The bank also offers a diverse portfolio including traditional banking services, financing, leasing, and foreign exchange. The bank's subsidiaries extend these services to include stock brokerage, investment banking, and asset management solutions.
It is on a proactive digital transformation journey, highlighted by its collaboration with ACI Worldwide to launch a cloud-native enterprise payments platform. This initiative aims to unify various payment systems, offering clients seamless and real-time transactions, thus enhancing the overall banking experience.
Also Read: Getting a Small Business Loan in The Philippines
9. Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc. (Unionbank)
Union Bank of the Philippines, also known as Union Bank, is at the forefront of digital banking in the Philippines. With an impressive asset base of PHP 774 billion as of 2020, they have shown how innovation can drive both growth and stability. Unionbank has made a name for itself by embracing a digital-first strategy. Moving to the Finacle Digital Banking suite on the AWS cloud, they have effectively scaled operations, continually rolling out new capabilities.
'The Ark' stands as a milestone in their journey—an entirely digital branch where technology meets personalized service. Instead of traditional banking counters, customers interact through devices like iPads and receive support from technology-adept bank ambassadors. This shift not only makes transactions faster but has also elevated customer satisfaction levels.
Their offerings cater to both corporate and retail clients, evolving from servicing top corporations to becoming a household name in digital retail banking. Unionbank is dedicated to financial inclusivity, aiming to meet the needs of various economic groups and contribute to the country's broader economic progress. This commitment is seen in their investment in technological platforms like the Appian Platform, helping to streamline their processes and optimize resources.
The bank has received positive feedback on various online platforms, where users appreciated its dependable service and user-friendly interface. It is reported as a favored choice among customers, especially for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning home. UnionBank Elite's wealth management services have also attracted attention with attractive offers and benefits, lower fees, and better options compared to competitors such as BPI Gold.
10. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)
The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is a vital state-owned institution focusing on development banking. It plays a crucial role in supporting the country's economy by addressing the financing needs of agricultural and industrial enterprises.
With assets worth PHP 1.04 trillion as of 2020, DBP plays a prominent role in sectors like infrastructure and agriculture. Through public-private partnerships, DBP implements projects that bolster economic resilience.
The bank also provides significant support to SMEs, enabling their growth and competitiveness.
- Major Purpose: Provide medium- and long-term financing for agricultural and industrial enterprises.
- Main Focus: Infrastructure, agriculture, and SME support.
Other Notable Commercial Banks Operating in The Philippines
In the banking landscape of the Philippines, a few institutions particularly stand out. Among them, CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp., East West Banking Corporation, and Asia United Bank Corporation are notable for their unique contributions and strategic approaches. Here, take a closer look at them in greater detail:
CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp.
CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp. is renowned for its niche-based strategy, which effectively utilizes the reliable reputation of its parent bank, CTBC, in Taiwan while combining it with a localized service approach tailored to the Filipino market. Established in 1995, this bank has consistently embraced a blend of Taiwanese efficiency with Filipino customer-centric service, backed by its brand promise, 'We are Family.'
This strategy has not only allowed CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp. to stand out but has also built a loyal customer base that appreciates its innovative financial solutions.
East West Banking Corporation
East West Banking Corporation is another major player in the Filipino banking sector. While the exact valuation of its total assets as of 2025 is nearing PHP 500 billion, the bank is recognized for its robust financial activities and asset management strategies. For the most precise and up-to-date figures, it is advisable to refer directly to East West Banking Corporation's most recent financial reports or public statements from regulatory bodies.
Also Read: Loan Table for Teachers with EastWest Bank
Asia United Bank Corporation
The esteemed Rebisco Group's Asia United Bank Corporation has marked its territory by expanding its resources and branch network, notably acquiring Asiatrust Development Bank. Although the precise figures for its current total assets aren't specified for 2025, it's known that the acquisition added approximately PHP 6 billion to the bank's balance sheet and expanded its presence with 28 new branches.
As of the last available information post-acquisition, Asia United Bank had resources totaling around P52 billion, showcasing its considerable growth and strategic foresight.
Conclusion
The Philippine banking landscape is dynamic, with several leading institutions playing crucial roles in the country's economic development. These top commercial banks offer a wide range of financial products and services, catering to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. By carefully evaluating their offerings and choosing the bank that best suits their specific needs, individuals and businesses can make the right financial decisions and effectively manage their finances.
Similar to these established commercial banks, N90 plays a vital role in supporting the Philippine economy by providing access to crucial financial resources for businesses. Just as these banks offer a range of financial products to individuals and businesses, N90 focuses on empowering Filipino entrepreneurs by providing access to small business loans. Get in touch with us at N90 today to avail of additional funds to help your Philippine SME thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the top 3 commercial banks in the Philippines?
The top 3 commercial banks in the Philippines as of 2025 include:
- BDO Unibank: The largest bank in the Philippines, offering a wide range of financial products and services.
- Land Bank of the Philippines: A government-owned bank focused on supporting agricultural and rural development.
- Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI): A well-established bank with a strong reputation and a wide network of branches.
2. What is the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines?
GoTyme Bank is considered the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines. It has experienced significant growth in customer base and transaction volume since its launch. It has consistently added a substantial number of new customers each month, reaching a milestone of 3.7 million customers by the end of June 2024.
3. Which bank is better, BPI or Landbank, in the Philippines?
BPI and Landbank cater to different needs. Here's a brief distinction between the two popular banks:
- BPI excels in retail banking with a strong network, digital banking, and a wide range of financial products. Choose BPI if you prioritize convenience, digital banking features, and a wide range of retail banking products.
- Landbank focuses on supporting agriculture and rural development, offering specialized services for farmers and rural communities. Choose Landbank if you are involved in agriculture, need access to rural banking services, or prioritize government-backed financial support.
4. Which bank is best for foreigners in the Philippines?
Several banks in the Philippines cater well to the needs of foreigners. BPI is often considered a good choice due to its extensive network, English-language support, and wide range of services, including international transfers and foreign currency accounts. Other options include Metrobank and Citibank, which also offer comprehensive services for foreign residents and expats.
