BBVA reinvents itself with a new app in Spain: more AI, personalization and savings incentives
BBVA is launching a new version of its app in Spain, with a unique native code that is scalable and exportable to all countries where the bank operates. This technological overhaul, which includes an ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) integration, marks a turning point in digital banking. It represents a decisive commitment to personalization, with a radically enhanced user experience. The new app multiplies the benefits of being a customer: direct access to cards and Bizum to make fast, simple payments, personalized savings plans and a financial coach to help manage finances, among other new developments.
“2025 marks the start of a new strategic cycle for BBVA, in which we have committed to incorporate a customer perspective into everything we do in a radical way. This new app is a clear example of this. Every customer will have their own version of the app,” said CEO Onur Genç during the presentation of the project.
The most obvious change is the new look—new colors, font and style—accompanied by a technological leap that is reflected in the app’s rapid response time, up to six times faster than the previous version. Another novelty is the integration of its own wallet. Customers can have access to their cards or send a Bizum to their most frequent contacts as soon as they open the app.
To do so, they will have to identify themselves using the device’s biometrics. This reduces the number of steps to a minimum, while maintaining the highest security standards in the market. Users can view card balances, pay or check data (PAN, expiration date and CVV). Furthermore, an innovative new discreet mode automatically hides account balances and transactions to prevent prying eyes.
Artificial intelligence takes the spotlight in BBVA’s app, as it allows each customer to organize the app in a different way, based on their habits. The level of personalization will be so advanced that users will be able to use Apple Intelligence technology to create a personalized design for their cards in the digital environment of the BBVA app. This feature will soon be available exclusively for Visa cards and those with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 phones.
But the app goes far beyond personalization. In addition to the updated virtual assistant, Blue, which is now able to answer customer questions with natural language, the app is also incorporating a new financial coach. This companion analyzes the customer’s financial situation and suggests specific steps they can take to help improve their personal finances. The coach makes an initial assessment of the customer’s income, expenses, savings and loans and identifies opportunities for improvement. The user is the one who decides whether or not they would like to set a savings goal or cost control target. The coach suggests savings tools and ways to reduce expenses by category based on the customer’s spending habits.
Many of these improvements that go hand-in-hand with the artificial intelligence will be available for users in the next few days, and will gradually be rolled out in the coming weeks to reach as many customers as possible.
In addition, in order to improve customers’ financial health, BBVA is combining these tools with new incentives to help plan day-to-day finances, anticipating upcoming bills and avoiding unexpected surprises. In addition, BBVA customers in Spain will automatically have overdraft coverage of up to €300 to pay for bills if they do not have sufficient funds in their account.
The app will alert customers of the bill and offer suggestions to make the payment. All of this with the aim of helping BBVA customers acquire good financial habits that allow them to have greater control over their current and future financial situation.This benefit will be available for eligible customers who meet certain criteria.
BBVA also wants its customers to feel supported when they take their first steps in investing and building savings habits. Therefore, it will offer a variety of funds designed for different customer profiles, with educational resources included, and a €300 bonus (gross) in case of negative returns the first year investing.
The BBVA app also allows customers to set aside savings in a digital piggy bank. Customers can reserve whatever amount they want, separating it from their checking account. Now, BBVA will reward customers for good savings habits with a six percent bonus for customers who regularly set aside part of their income each month. At the end of every month, BBVA will reward the amount saved from their paychecks, pensions or unemployment checks with up to €20 per month for three months.
These are just some of the latest updates to the BBVA app. Throughout the year, new features will be added, covering a wide range of different aspects–from energy-saving tools and insurance to new opportunities for investors.