Hopper Replaces Expedia in Exclusive Banking Travel Deal

Skift has reported that Hopper is set to become the new technology provider for travel services at Royal Bank of Canada, replacing Expedia Group, which had managed the account for roughly twelve years.

This transition represents a notable development in the travel technology space, especially for Hopper’s B2B division, Hopper Technology Solutions.

Why Expedia stepped away

According to Expedia, the shift was not simply a loss of business but rather a strategic decision. RBC reportedly requested an exclusive agreement that would prevent the selected provider from working with other Canadian financial institutions.

Accepting such terms would have conflicted with Expedia’s broader ecosystem strategy, as the company currently collaborates with multiple banks across Canada, including TD Bank, BMO, CIBC, and Scotiabank.

Hopper’s exclusive agreement in Canada

Unlike Expedia, Hopper agreed to RBC’s exclusivity requirement. This means Hopper Technology Solutions will be restricted from offering similar services to other Canadian financial institutions.

An RBC spokesperson confirmed to Skift that Hopper will be the sole provider for such services within the Canadian banking sector under this arrangement.

Enhancing Avion Rewards travel experience

The partnership is centered around upgrading RBC’s loyalty program, Avion Rewards. The new Hopper-powered platform will expand booking capabilities, allowing users to arrange flights, accommodations, car rentals, activities, and bundled travel packages within a single interface.

The system will also introduce advanced features such as flexible booking options and tools that recommend the best time to book flights using historical and predictive data models.

The deal comes at a sensitive time for Hopper, shortly after its largest client, Capital One, scaled back its partnership. In November 2025, Capital One was reportedly planning to acquire the core software that currently powers its travel booking platform, Capital One Travel, from Hopper.

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash