Compass Bank was a well-known regional bank in Houston and other Texas cities. Over time its U.S. retail operations were acquired - first integrated into BBVA's U.S. business and later into PNC - so the Compass brand no longer exists as an independent consumer bank. Customers were transitioned to successor banks with corresponding changes to branding and account platforms.

What Compass Bank was

Compass Bank (Compass Bancshares) was a prominent regional bank based in Alabama with a strong retail presence in Texas, especially Houston. In the 2000s it built a reputation in Houston for competitive loan offers, customer-focused service, and a regional footprint that included major Texas cities such as Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.

How the ownership changed

Compass Bancshares was acquired by Spain-based BBVA, and the U.S. retail operations were later folded into BBVA's U.S. business (often seen as BBVA Compass). Those U.S. operations were subsequently acquired by PNC Financial Services, and the Compass/BBVA consumer brand was phased out as customers migrated to the new owner's systems and branch branding.

What that meant for customers

If you were a Compass customer in Houston, the branch network, deposit accounts, loans and customer-service relationships were transitioned under the new parent companies rather than disappearing. Over time, legacy Compass/BBVA accounts, online access and branch signage moved to the successor bank's platform. Customers generally received notices about account changes, routing numbers, and online banking updates as part of those transitions.

Why it matters today

The story of Compass Bank is a common one in U.S. banking: regional banks consolidate into larger national organizations. For Houston consumers, the practical effects were changes in branding, technology platforms and product menus, but many of the community relationships and staff at local branches continued under new ownership.

Takeaways for consumers

  • Compass Bank no longer operates under the Compass name; its business became part of larger national banks. 1
  • If you hold an account that originated with Compass, your records today will be with the successor bank (BBVA previously; now under PNC for the former BBVA U.S. network). 2
  • When banks change ownership, expect formal notices, possible changes to online banking and fee schedules, and a transition period for routing numbers or card reissues.
If you want help locating the current holder of a former Compass account or understanding any notices you received, check the bank communications you were sent at the time of acquisition or contact the successor bank's customer service. If you need assistance verifying specific acquisition dates or rebranding timelines, see the Verification To-Dos at the end of this article.
  1. Confirm the year Compass Bancshares was acquired by BBVA (approx. 2007).
  2. Confirm the year PNC completed acquisition of BBVA USA and the timeline for phasing out the Compass/BBVA consumer brand (approx. 2021).
  3. Verify whether any Compass branches in Houston retained independent branding longer than the main rebranding timeline.

FAQs about Compass Bank In Houston

Is Compass Bank still operating under that name?
No. The Compass retail brand was phased out after its U.S. operations were integrated into larger banking groups; customers now bank under the successor institutions' brands.
What happened to my Compass account number and online banking?
Accounts and online access were migrated to the acquiring bank's systems. Customers typically received official notices about any new account numbers, routing numbers or online-login changes during the transition.
Which banks acquired Compass Bank’s operations?
Compass Bancshares was acquired by BBVA and its U.S. retail operations were later acquired by PNC (the BBVA USA network became part of PNC).
I have documents referencing Compass Bank—who should I contact now?
Contact the bank named on your most recent statement. If you still see references to BBVA or Compass, those accounts are likely managed now by PNC. If uncertain, call the successor bank's customer-service line or visit a local branch for confirmation.