BBVA Compass Launches Native iPad Application

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass today announced the launch of a native iPad™ application that marks the first U.S. mobile banking application that visually goes beyond the traditional on-line banking interface of the few other iPad banking applications. The BBVA Compass Mobile Banking (PD) was released on Dec. 23, just in time for the Christmas holiday shopping season. In addition to the new iPad application, BBVA Compass also offers native mobile banking applications for Android™, BlackBerry® and iPhone™ users. Each of the applications for these mobile devices was built in house to provide greater flexibility and functionality.

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The free application enables users a fast and convenient way to manage their BBVA Compass accounts – deposits, loans and credit cards – in a visually attractive setting that truly utilizes the capabilities and functionality of the iPad. Users can check balances, view posted and pending transactions, view check images and statements, transfer funds between BBVA Compass accounts and locate BBVA Compass branches.

"BBVA Compass has utilized a unique approach to mobile banking by designing native applications built to leverage the particular capabilities of each device, like the iPad," stated Alex Carriles, SVP and director of mobile and internet strategies at BBVA Compass. "Once you see the graphical display of your financial information, flip through your checks with a simple gesture, review the colorful renderings of your bank statements or the transaction receipts for your credit card charges, you soon realize this is no ordinary on-line banking application. Our goal is to make mobile banking an enjoyable user experience, and fully embrace the iPad Human Interface."

According to eMarketer, sales of the Apple iPad are estimated to reach 8.5 million by the end of 2010, accounting for almost 88 percent of total U.S. tablet sales. Tablet sales in the U.S. are expected to increase dramatically over the next two years, with iPad sales projected to more than double to nearly 20 million in 2011 and surpass 30 million by 2012. Worldwide, tablet sales are projected to increase even more quickly. By 2012, eMarketer forecasts nearly 41 million Americans or 12.8 percent of the U.S. population will have a tablet device.

To download a free copy of the BBVA Compass Mobile Banking (PD) application via the App store, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bbva-compass-mobile-banking/id411468151?mt=8.

For more information on additional BBVA Compass Mobile Banking applications, visit http://www.bbvacompass.com/personal/online/mobile/index.cfm.

ABOUT BBVA COMPASS

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 717 branches including 382 in Texas, 92 in Alabama, 65 in California, 77 in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass is the 15th largest U.S. commercial bank based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Texas (4th), Alabama (3rd) and Arizona (5th). For the second consecutive year, BBVA Compass was named as a "Lender of the Year" by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Additional information concerning BBVA Compass can be found on our website www.bbvacompass.com.

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a financial services group with approximately $760 billion in total assets, 48 million clients, 7,400 branches and approximately 105,000 employees in more than 30 countries. BBVA ranks among the top 20 largest financial institutions in the world based on market capitalization and 21st in Global Finance magazine's list of the "World's 50 Safest Banks" for 2010. BBVA provides its customers around the world with a full range of financial services, including commercial and wholesale banking, retail banking services, consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards, securities brokerage, wealth management, pension plan management and insurance. The BBVA Group maintains a leadership position in Spain, Mexico, Latin America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States as well as operations in China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.