BBVA surpasses one million customers in Italy and aims to become their primary bank

From acquisition to a broader relationship

BBVA has surpassed one million customers in Italy, where it has operated since late 2021 with a 100% digital banking model. The bank thus reaches the goal it had set for 2026, after communicating in December 2025 that it already exceeded 800,000 customers.

The bank entered the Italian market with an offer focused on accounts and remunerated deposits. Since then, it has incorporated personal loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment products, including funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The evolution shows a shift in focus: in addition to acquiring users, BBVA seeks for its customers to use more services and make it their primary institution.

"We have reached one million customers in Italy, which reflects the success of our 100% digital banking model. Now we are starting a new stage in Italy, focused on becoming the primary bank for our customers and deepening our relationship with them," stated BBVA's president, Carlos Torres.

More products, with profitability as the goal

Expanding the range allows the bank to address different financial needs from its digital platform, beyond the savings that drove its entry into the country. However, the number of customers alone is not enough to determine the profitability of the business: available sources do not provide public figures on the results of the Italian operation.

BBVA's Global Head of Digital Banks, Murat Kalkan, noted that the priority now is to consolidate activity in Italy and Germany with sustainable and profitable growth. Therefore, the one million customers is an indicator of scale and service acceptance, but it does not by itself certify that the unit is already profitable.

Digital expansion also in Germany

Italy is one of the two European markets where BBVA develops its digital banking strategy outside of Spain. In April 2026, its digital bank in Germany surpassed 100,000 customers, according to information published about the entity. The comparison shows that the two operations are at different stages and does not, by itself, allow equating their commercial or financial evolution.

BBVA has also formalized a strategic and sponsorship alliance with Inter Milan, valid until 2029, to reinforce its brand presence in Italy. The entity has also incorporated artificial intelligence tools into its digital strategy; among them, an application integrated into ChatGPT available in Italy and Germany, according to the information provided.

For companies following the expansion of digital banks, the Italian case illustrates two different indicators: the growth of the customer base and the ability to deepen the relationship through a broader offer. The available information confirms the first milestone and the change in priority declared by BBVA, but does not yet allow assessing the profitability of the operation.