Garanti BBVA simplifies digital onboarding and in-app lending for electronic ID card holders

Bucharest, April 14, 2026 – Garanti BBVA launches a new version of its online onboarding and lending process directly within the Mobile Banking application, integrating the use of the electronic identity card (CEI). The new solution allows the fast and secure retrieval of identity data from the ID document via the smartphone’s NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, further strengthening the bank’s fully automated, unattended onboarding flows.

NFC technology enables secure data transfer between devices at close range – in this case, between a smartphone and the chip in an electronic ID card. Thus, data is taken directly from the document, without image processing, which reduces the risk of errors and increases the level of security.

This update comes amid the rapid increase in the number of electronic identity cards issued in Romania by the General Directorate for Personal Records, which has already exceeded 1.3 million.

The new identification flow includes three main steps: taking a selfie, reading the data from the electronic identity card via NFC technology, and completing a liveness test to confirm the user’s physical presence. This technology enables fast and secure identity verification directly within the app, eliminating the need to visit a branch or complete physical documents. The solution is in line with the bank’s 100% online onboarding process, allowing customers to open current accounts and access digital lending products in a simple and immediate way, without the need for assistance from a bank consultant.

“Digitalizing banking services means, first and foremost, eliminating unnecessary steps and offering clients a simpler and safer experience. We are not only digitalizing processes, products, and services, but completely reimagining banking to match the way people use digital financial services today. Integrating NFC technology into the identification process allows us to significantly reduce onboarding time and enhance data security, while offering an intuitive experience. This is what the future of banking looks like: fast, personalized, and 100% digital. No paperwork, no branch visits, and no waiting time. Just a few simple steps to access financial solutions tailored to modern lifestyles,” said Tolga Banyocu, Deputy General Manager, Customer Solutions Area, Garanti BBVA.

Garanti BBVA offers individual customers the possibility to become bank clients through a 100 percent online onboarding process, available directly in the Mobile Banking application. Through this process, users can open a current account with a debit card included and access lending products entirely digitally from their mobile phone, anytime and from anywhere.