Hopper partners on travel portal with Australia’s biggest bank

Hopper is partnering with CommBank, Australia’s largest bank, to make it easier for bank customers to book flights, accommodations and car rentals.

The new travel features in the bank’s app are expected to be available by next year. They will integrate with Hopper via the company’s B2B initiative, Hopper Cloud.

“Through our new exclusive relationship in the Australian market with Hopper we can help customers dream, plan and book travel, and manage their travel finances, all in one place within the CommBank app,” said Angus Sullivan, CBA’s group executive for retail banking. “Hopper makes travel planning and budgeting easier and helps you to get the best value across flights, accommodations and rental cars.”

Hopper leaped into the Australian market two years ago. President and co-founder Dakota Smith called CommBank an ideal partner.

“With this new exclusive arrangement, we’ll be able to create an end-to-end travel offering for their customers, complete with world-class flexibility and disruption products to improve the traveler experience,” Smith said.

Among the features to be added to the CommBank portal:

• Price predictions, data-driven recommendations and alert technology when booking flights, hotels and rental cars.
• Integration into the CommBank Awards program so customers can earn and redeem rewards through the Hopper-powered platform.
• Fintech products and servicing capabilities – including self-serve options and concierge service – to enhance flexibility while traveling.

CommBank isn't the first bank to partner with or acquire travel companies in a bid to launch travel products and build loyalty.

Hopper has been busy with partnerships as well. Earlier this month, Uber announced the addition of flight booking functionality to its app in the United Kingdom powered by Hopper.

In November, Hopper announced a $96 million investment from Capital One, extending their partnership. Capital One had led a $170 million funding round in March 2021 that marked the launch of Hopper Cloud.