A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering BBVA Online Transfers
When you first arrive in Spain, is the blue BBVA card one of the first you get? It was for me! Initially, navigating the all-Spanish online banking interface can be a bit overwhelming, especially for tasks involving money like transfers, where you’re worried about making a mistake. After some trial and error, I’ve put together the steps for making online transfers with BBVA to share with anyone who needs it. Hope this helps!
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following information ready to make the process smoother:
- The recipient’s full name
- The recipient’s IBAN: In Spain and the entire Eurozone, the IBAN is the primary account number used for transfers. It starts with letters (e.g., ES for Spain) followed by a long string of numbers.
- The transfer amount
- The transfer concept (Concepto): A brief description of the transfer’s purpose, such as “Alquiler Mayo” (May Rent) or “Pago Factura” (Bill Payment), to help both you and the recipient identify the transaction.
I personally prefer using the computer because the larger screen makes everything clearer. After logging into the BBVA website, the basic process is as follows:
- Log in to your personal BBVA account.
- On the main dashboard, find a prominent option, usually labeled “Hacer una transferencia” (Make a transfer), or look for the transfer entry point in your account overview.
- The first step is to enter the recipient’s details. You’ll need to input their name and IBAN. If it’s your first time transferring to this person, the system will prompt you to save them as a contact, which is convenient for future transfers.
- The second step is to fill in the transfer details. Enter the amount you want to send and write the reason for the transfer in the “Concepto” field. Here, you can also choose the transfer type. Standard transfers are usually free but take a bit longer to arrive, while instant transfers have a small fee.
- The final step is to confirm and authorize. The system will ask you to review all the information to ensure it’s correct. Once you confirm, BBVA will send a verification notification to your mobile app or a code via SMS to your registered phone number. Enter the code, click confirm, and the transfer is complete! You will see a confirmation receipt, which is a good idea to screenshot and save.
Transfer Steps on the Mobile App
Using the mobile app is more convenient and allows you to make transfers anytime, anywhere. Open the BBVA app and log in. The steps are very similar to the website version:
- On the app’s home screen, there is usually a prominent icon labeled “Transferencia” or something similar. Tap on it.
- Select or enter the recipient’s IBAN. If you have saved them as a contact before, you can simply choose them from your list.
- Enter the amount and the transfer concept.
- Choose the transfer type.
- Confirm the details, then provide final authorization via fingerprint, Face ID, or password—similar to the security steps for other operations like cardless deposits in Spain. Done! The app will immediately show a confirmation of the successful transfer.
Additional Info on Fees and Arrival Times
Here is some additional information on common questions. For most of us, the most frequently used transfer is the SEPA transfer, which applies to transfers within the Eurozone. Here’s a simple table to help you understand:
| Transfer Type | Fee | Arrival Time |
|---|
| Standard SEPA Transfer | Usually free | 1-2 business days |
| Instant SEPA Transfer | Varies, €0.90 - €1.25 | Within seconds |
| International Transfer | Higher fees, charged proportionally | 3-5 business days or longer |
The fees for international transfers are really expensive! So, if you’re sending money to a country outside the EU, it’s a good idea to compare different services and not just rely on the bank. Overall, BBVA’s online banking system is very mature and secure. As long as you are careful and double-check the information, there’s no need to worry. I hope this guide has been helpful!
