Master your BBVA Digital Banking in Europe: Key Features, Bizum (or Similar) and Anti-Theft Security on your Mobile!

Do you use BBVA's digital banking in Europe but feel like you're not getting the most out of it? Discover key features like Bizum (or its local equivalent), streamlined SEPA transfers, PSD2 budgeting tools, and, crucially, how to protect your security against cyberattacks.

Digital and mobile banking has become central to our financial lives, especially in Europe, where technological adoption is high and innovation is constant. If you are a BBVA customer in Europe, you have a powerful app and online platform at your disposal, packed with features designed to make your life easier and more secure. This guide will help you optimize its use, from instant payments to advanced security management.

BBVA's digital experience in Europe varies slightly by country (e.g., Spain, Italy), but shares a core of advanced features:

• Instant Payments: Bizum (Spain) and European Equivalents:
  • Bizum (Spain): It has become a standard for sending and receiving money instantly between individuals using only a mobile number. It also allows you to pay in online stores and donate to NGOs. Integrated directly into the BBVA Spain app, it's incredibly convenient.
  • Equivalents in other European countries: BBVA in other European countries may integrate with local instant payment systems or promote similar features within its own app, aligned with the SEPA Instant Payments initiative (SCT Inst).
  • How to use them: Typically, from the transfers or payments section of your BBVA app, select the instant mobile payment option, enter the recipient's phone number (if registered) and the amount. The money arrives in seconds!
• SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers:
  • For money transfers within SEPA countries (EU and some others), SEPA transfers are the standard.
  • Guys:
    • SEPA Standard Transfers (SCT): These generally take 1 business day.
    • SEPA Instant Transfers (SCT Inst): These allow you to send euros in seconds, 24/7, between participating banks. BBVA usually offers this option.
  • From the BBVA app/website: Making a SEPA transfer is simple; you just need the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
• Personal Budget and Finance Management (PFM):
  • Many BBVA apps in Europe include Personal Finance Management tools. These can:
    • Categorize your expenses automatically.
    • Show you graphs of how you spend your money.
    • Allow you to set budgets for different categories (food, entertainment, etc.).
    • Alert you if you approach your limits.
  • They are great for taking control of your finances!

* Bank Aggregation (Thanks to PSD2):

• The European directive PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) has opened the door to Open Banking.
• This means that, with your consent, you can view the accounts you have at other banks directly from the BBVA app.
• Advantage: You have a comprehensive view of all your finances in one place, making management and planning easier.
• Look for the "Add accounts" or "My other banks" section in your BBVA app.

The convenience of digital banking comes with the responsibility to protect yourself. BBVA implements multiple layers of security, but your cooperation is essential:

• Strong Authentication (SCA): Mandatory under PSD2, it requires at least two authentication factors to access your online accounts, make payments, or modify sensitive data. This can be:
  • Something you know (password, PIN).
  • Something you have (mobile phone where you receive a code, token).
  • Something you are (fingerprint, facial recognition).
• Strong Access Keys:
  • Use unique and complex passwords for your online banking. Don't reuse them.
  • Activate biometrics (fingerprint/face) in your BBVA app whenever possible.
• Notifications and Alerts: Set up alerts in your BBVA app to receive instant notifications of every transaction, login, or important change. This allows you to detect suspicious activity immediately.
• Beware of Phishing and Smishing:
  • BBVA will never ask you for your full password, PIN, or security codes by email, text message, or phone. Be wary of urgent messages that encourage you to click on suspicious links.
  • Always access your online banking by typing the official address into your browser or using the official app downloaded from secure stores (Google Play, Apple App Store).
• Security of your Devices:
  • Keep your operating system and the BBVA app up to date.
  • Use antivirus on your devices.
  • Don't connect to your online banking from unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Transaction Review: Review your transactions and account statements regularly to detect any unrecognized transactions.

Additional Features You Might Find:

• Mobile Payment (NFC): Add your BBVA cards to Google Pay, Apple Pay, or BBVA's own mobile payment solution to pay in stores by holding your phone near the terminal.
• Cardless Cash Withdrawal: Some apps allow you to generate a code to withdraw money from BBVA ATMs without needing a physical card.
• Card Management: Temporarily turn cards off/on, modify limits, request duplicates.
• Digital Contract Signature: To sign new products or services remotely. Conclusion: Empower yourself with BBVA's Digital and Mobile Banking in Europe

BBVA's digital platform in Europe is designed to offer you a complete, efficient, and secure banking experience. From making instant payments like Bizum (or its equivalent) and managing SEPA transfers, to taking advantage of budgeting tools and bank aggregation under PSD2, you have great power in your hands. But remember, advanced security is a shared responsibility. Adopt good practices and stay vigilant to enjoy all the benefits of 21st-century banking without worry.

Call to Action:

• Explore all the sections of your BBVA app today and discover features you didn't know about.
• Review and strengthen the security settings for your BBVA online and mobile banking.
• Follow us on Instagram: @Ivn_noticias for more tech and financial tips and tutorials.