BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass has implemented a special disaster relief program for both individuals and businesses impacted by the April 27 tornadoes. The program offers new loan options with special rates and discounts to help get residents and businesses the funds they need to begin recovering from the tornadoes as quickly and painlessly as possible.

The special products are available to those who live in counties the Federal Emergency Management Agency as designated as disaster areas.

Components of the program include:

• Discounted rates on consumer and small business loans
• Deferred payments on existing consumer and small business loans, lines and credit cards
• Loan payment late fee forgiveness
• Penalty-free CD withdrawals

All BBVA Compass banking centers are now open for business. For more information on these offers, those in need can visit a branch, call 1-800-Compass (1-800-266-7277) or visit www.bbvacompass.com and click on the Aid Alabama icon on the homepage.

In addition, the BBVA Compass Foundation had made a $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross with all the funds to be allocated for Alabama Relief Efforts. And all 716 BBVA Compass banking center locations are accepting donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. Donations can be made in person or online at www.bbvacompass.com.

ABOUT BBVA COMPASS

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates more than 716 branches including 380 in Texas, 93 in Alabama, 65 in California, 77 in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 20 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 (3rd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the nation's leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders, earning 'Lender of the Year' honors in 2009 and 2010. 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 $740 billion in total assets, 47 million clients, 7,400 branches and approximately 107,000 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, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

SOURCE BBVA Compass