NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant and James Harden help BBVA Compass score with basketball fans

HOUSTON, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of the NBA's most exciting players — Kevin Durant and James Harden — have helped BBVA Compass attract basketball fans from across the country to its all-digital NBA Banking account. 

The two All-Stars began appearing in advertising touting the product and the bank's #realfan social media campaign in February after being named global brand ambassadors for the bank. Fans of 28 of the league's 30 teams are now NBA Banking clients.   

The #realfan hashtag, introduced in conjunction with the launch of NBA Banking, encouraged fans to post photos to Instagram and Twitter to show their team pride and promote NBA Banking. One contestant will win a trip to each game of the NBA Finals after fan voting on the top 10 entries ends this week.

"We've exceeded all of our internal targets for the campaign since our initial launch in February," said BBVA Compass Chief Marketing Officer John Wessman. "We already have NBA Banking account-holders in 37 states and we've connected with thousands of new fans and followers on social media."

Wessman said the bank plans to launch the next phase of its promotion of NBA Banking this week with a national TV spot that capitalizes on the excitement over the NBA Playoffs. The spot features NBA All-Star Kevin Durant alongside a passionate 'real' fan who enjoys the experience of a lifetime.

BBVA Compass will continue to broaden its reach with the help of this new spot, particularly among NBA fans.

NBA Banking accounts are opened online and maintained online or with a smartphone using the BBVA Compass mobile app, expanding the bank's reach to clients beyond its Sunbelt footprint. Combined with access to the nationwide surcharge-free Allpoint® ATM network, it allows clients to conduct almost any banking transaction without visiting a branch.

Capitalizing on the bank's role as the official bank of the NBA in the U.S., NBA Banking offers team-branded debit cards and other NBA content to account-holders. The account allows fans to 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 clients the chance to earn NBA merchandise by processing transactions online. Three qualifying online bill payments from an NBA checking account within a 90-day period earn a $100 NBAstore.com electronic gift card.

BBVA Compass and its parent company, BBVA, share a growing reputation as the Bank of Sports, identifying with sports that have global appeal and showcase teamwork and fair play. BBVA Compass has been the official bank 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.

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:
BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank.

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.

Copyright 2013 NBA Properties Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Allpoint® is a registered trademark of Cardtronics, Inc.

$100 NBAStore.com Gift Card:  NBA Checking accounts may be eligible for a new account bonus. Gift card available upon redemption after making three qualifying online bill payments within 90 days of activation of bonus game.  See bbvacompass.com/nba for full terms and conditions.

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

"Real Fan Contest"|
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and D.C. and who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry. Contest starts 2/15/2013 and ends 4/24/13, but entry period ends 3/31/13. Approximate retail value of Grand Prize is $20,000. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Additional terms apply. For entry, prize, and other details including Official Rules, go to www.bbvacompass-social.com/realfan/official-rules.jsp. Sponsor: BBVA Compass, 15 S 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233.

SOURCE BBVA Compass