After it was acquired by BBVA in February, Simple is showing the first major sign of access to the mega bank’s deep pockets.

The Portland-based startup updated its iOS and Android apps today to bring users an easier way to pay others via their mobile device. Aside from the redesigned interface, other major changes include: 

1) Simple Instant Transfer on mobile

Previously only available on the web interface, Instant Transfer enables users to instantly send funds to other Simple account holders. 

2) Updated goal interface on mobile

It’s easier for users to create and manage their goals with the ability to add notes to their goals and easily transfer money into and out of individual goals. It still lacks, however, the function to add pictures to goals. 

3) Customized profiles

Customers can customize how other users see them by adding a profile picture (see screenshot on right) to their account. They can also select other Simple customers as favorite contacts.

4) Mail checks from mobile

One of the more notable upgrades, is the ability to mail checks for free to anyone. All you need is their name and mailing address. I tested the feature on my iPhone 5S by sending a check to my mother, who does not have a Simple account.

Note the text at the bottom that indicates both when the money will be withdrawn and when the check will be received. Pulling that information out of the fine print and into plain sight aligns with Simple’s transparent policy.

After adding my mom’s address, I entered the amount, followed by the 4-digit verification code that I received via text.

 

Once I entered the code, the $1 had been withdrawn from my account and was ready to be mailed to my mother.

In the U.S., where writing checks is still common, the ability to do it from a mobile device is a very useful feature. Simple could improve it with a few small additions:

1) Option for users to pay for expedited shipment of the check.

2) Optional note field to send with the check that allows users to personalize the payment

3) The ability to assign a photo avatar to contacts who are not Simple customers

Simple launched at FinovateFall 2011. You can check out the demo video here.