CBA hops into travel

COMMONWEALTH Bank has launched a major expansion into the travel sector in partnership with Canadian travel technology “unicorn” Hopper, making it easier for bank customers to book flights, accommodation and car rental directly via the bank’s app.

The deal will see the addition of several new features to the CommBank portal, including price predictions, data-driven recommendations and alert technology when booking flights, hotels and rental cars.

CommBank customers will also be able to earn and redeem rewards through the Hopperpowered platform, thanks to its integration into the CommBank Awards program, as well as take advantage of Fintech products and servicing capabilities, including self-serve options and concierge services.

“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,” CBA Group Executive General Manager, Retail Sales and Service, Angus Sullivan explained.

Hopper President and cofounder Dakota Smith said the new arrangement will allow the agency to “create an end-toend travel offering for [CBA’s] customers, complete with worldclass flexibility and disruption products to improve the traveller experience”.

The partnership with CBA is the latest of many for the Canadabased travel company, including one with Uber announced last month, which sees Hopper power the transport giant’s flight booking functionality.

The new Hopper travel features are expected to go live on the CommBank app by next year.