HOUSTON, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass today announced the launch of its new mobile banking app, which aims to improve on BBVA Compass' award-winning formula for on-the-go banking.

The new app, featuring updated capabilities, an easier navigation and a streamlined look and feel, is designed to enhance BBVA Compass' overall mobile client experiences while pushing the bank forward in the digital banking space. The bank has already proven a standard-bearer in the area, recently winning the Mobile Banking Leader in Functionality Award for the second consecutive year from Javelin Strategy & Research.

"Our goal is to offer best-in-class experiences across all of our channels, giving our customers a choice on how they interact with us and their finances," said BBVA Compass Chief Digital Banking Officer Jeff Dennes. "We relied on usability testing and behavioral analysis to take a closer look at how our customers use the app, and set out to develop a more user-friendly mobile service. I'm confident we succeeded."

The bank's research led to the addition of a new "I want to…" bar to the bottom of most screens in the app. It offers a menu of actions based on where consumers are in the app and the tools most frequently used. For example, someone viewing a primary checking account can pull up the "I want to…" menu to access options to search for transactions, make transfers, deposit checks or set alerts for the viewed account. The "I want to" menu is expected to help customers complete financial tasks in fewer steps.

The app now also features a combined payments and transfers section called Easy Payments & Transfers. The section takes the guesswork out of determining where to go on the app to pay a credit card, transfer money to or from other banks, or even send money to family and friends using their email addresses or mobile numbers.

"We discovered a discrepancy in what customers saw as payments versus transfers, so we demystified the descriptions by coupling these activities under one umbrella," said Alex Carriles, director of self-service channels for BBVA Compass. "Our customers just need to determine which activity they want to complete, select source and destination accounts and set amounts and dates to complete transactions."

The revamped app also includes new features designed to build and strengthen digital relationships with customers. For example, upon log in, customers are greeted by their first (versus user) names and receive personalized financial offers based on their individual profiles and behaviors. Additional enhancements include the ability to enable the Bill Pay service and add payees via mobile. It is also one of few apps that shares specific details regarding mobile deposit holds, letting customers know the expected date their deposited funds will be accessible.

Among the most comprehensive mobile banking apps available today, BBVA Compass' app allows customers to retrieve balances, review transactions, view check images, transfer funds, send money, deposit checks and manage bill payments. The app is free to download and also offers bilingual banking options. The new app is an improvement over the previous version, which already offered a broad range of capabilities and earned recognition as a leader in functionality from independent research firm Javelin Strategy & Research for two consecutive years.

Customers can download the new BBVA Compass Mobile Banking App, which replaces the previous version of the app, for iPhone^® and Android^™ or by visiting their respective app stores. Text APP to 4BBVA (42282) to get a one-time text message with a link to download the app.* A mobile web version of the app is also available for customers using non-iPhone^® or Android^™ devices.

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*Message and Data Rates May apply. Go to bbvacompass.com for Privacy Policy. Call 1-800-273-1057 for support. By texting 42282, I verify this is my mobile number and consent to receive automated text messages at this number regarding product and services offered by or on behalf of BBVA Compass.  Consent is not a condition of and has no bearing on approval and can be rescinded at any time.

Mobile Deposit® is subject to eligibility. See Terms of Use for details and limitations, including information on funds availability.

iPhone^® is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Android^™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

Mobile Deposit^® is a registered trademark of Mitek Systems, Inc.

About BBVA Group

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a solid position in Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States. Its diversified business is geared toward high-growth markets and relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 672 branches, including 341 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 77 in Arizona, 62 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico, and commercial and private client offices throughout the U.S. BBVA Compass
ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass earned the top ranking with customers in American Banker's 2014 annual reputation survey of the top 25 largest U.S. retail banks. It also has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration, and its mobile app recently earned the Mobile Banking Leader in Functionality Award for the second consecutive year from Javelin Strategy & Research. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com, by
following @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visiting newsroom.bbvacompass.com.

Editor's Note:
BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank.

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SOURCE BBVA Compass