BBVA Compass Introduces NBA-Branded Online Accounts

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass today announced the introduction of its NBA-branded online account, NBA Banking, which leverages the bank's digital platforms to expand beyond its geographic footprint and capitalizes on its role as the official bank of the NBA in the U.S. to reach fans and customers nationwide.

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BBVA Compass also said it is signing two of the NBA's biggest stars — All-Stars Kevin Durant and James Harden — to global, multiyear deals as brand ambassadors for the bank. Durant and Harden will be featured in themed advertising that will tip off during NBA All-Star 2013 in Houston and run through the end of the NBA season.

BBVA Compass will simultaneously launch a hashtag (#Realfan) encouraging fans to post photos to Instagram and Twitter to display their "fandom" and promote the bank's first national product.

The NBA Checking and Savings accounts are the first products built on the bank's new core technology system, which provides the integration required to support a wholly digital banking product.

"Consumers want the same convenience in banking they find in other industries, and that's exactly what this new account offers:  banking anywhere, anytime and using a device they choose," said Manolo Sanchez, president and CEO of BBVA Compass. "But what truly sets it apart is that the experience is as much about the NBA as it is about banking."

NBA Banking accounts must be opened online and can be maintained online or with a smartphone using the bank's mobile app, which allows eligible users to upload a photo of a check to make a deposit. Combined with access to the nationwide surcharge-free Allpoint® ATM network, NBA Banking allows customers to conduct almost any banking transaction without visiting a branch.

NBA Banking also lets fans display their favorite NBA team logo on the accompanying debit card, view game scores and headlines via the online account interface, and check schedules and scores via mobile devices. It also adds a layer of gamification, giving customers the chance to earn NBA merchandise by processing transactions online. For example, three qualifying online bill payments from an NBA Checking account within a 90-day period earn a $100 NBAstore.com electronic gift card.

"Sports is about passion, and this is a way to tap into that," Sánchez said. "NBA Banking is more than just a way to bank. It's a way for fans to show their team pride and love for the game."

BBVA Compass and its parent company, BBVA, share a growing reputation as the Bank of Sports, identifying with sports that offer global appeal and highlight teamwork and fair play. BBVA Compass has been an official sponsor of the NBA since 2010, hosts college football's BBVA Compass Bowl, and last year opened BBVA Compass Stadium, home of Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo.

BBVA Compass announced the implementation of its new core technology system in November 2012, making the bank one of the largest U.S. banks in recent history to implement such a change. Streamlined processes created by the new technology are critical to the account's multi-channel functionality.

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. BBVA ranks among the leading eurozone banks in terms of return on equity and efficiency. 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 best practices. 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 708 branches, including 367 in Texas, 93 in Alabama, 79 in Arizona, 65 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 21 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 20 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 has been recognized as one of the leading Small Business Administration lenders and ranked third in American Banker's 2012 reputation study of the leading 30 banks in the U.S. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com.

Editor's Note:

All checking and savings accounts and Check Cards are subject to approval, which may include credit approval. $25 minimum opening deposit required.

Mobile Banking: Text message and data rates may apply. The Mobile Deposit® service is subject to eligibility. Deposit limits and other restrictions may apply.  Please see terms and conditions for details, including information about funds availability.

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

Copyright 2013 NBA Properties Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Allpoint® is a registered trademark of Cardtronics, Inc.

$100 NBAStore.com Gift Card:  NBA Checking accounts opened online through bbvacompass.com/nba may be eligible for a new account bonus. The electronic gift card will be provided when all conditions are met. See bbvacompass.com/nba for full terms and conditions.

BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank.  Compass Bank, Member FDIC.

SOURCE BBVA Compass