Capital One has launched a standalone mobile application for its travel platform, allowing cardholders to book travel, redeem rewards and track trips in real time, including airport lounge capacity and waitlist updates.
The app provides a travel-specific mobile channel separate from the company’s core banking functionality. The existing web version of Capital One Travel will continue to be available.
The service was originally developed in partnership with Hopper Technology Solutions (formerly Hopper Cloud). Capital One was a key investor in Hopper's B2B initiative, launched in 2021, as well as its first client. With the launch of the mobile app, that relationship is set to enter a new phase.
"We now are evolving our relationship with Hopper by bringing in-house the technology, talent and key capabilities we've built together over the last four years," Capital One said in a statement to PhocusWire. "These capabilities include licenses, servicing contracts and supplier relationships."
Moving the technology in-house will enable "deeper personalization, tighter integration across planning and in-transit moments and a more seamless end-to-end travel experience," Capital One said.
The company does not have plans to acquire Hopper and continues to be an investor.
In the Capital One Travel mobile app, eligible cardholders can book flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation rentals and activities and redeem rewards during checkout. A journey-aware interface adapts as the trip progresses.
Once a trip begins, the app surfaces real-time travel information, including flight alerts, gate changes and nearby airport amenities. In the case of delays or disruption, users can access self-service tools or tap to call for assistance.
The app also shows real-time capacity and estimated wait times at Capital One lounges, allowing eligible travelers to join digital waitlists.
Capital One Travel is part of a broader push by financial services companies to build travel platforms tied to rewards credit cards and loyalty programs. Capital One has made several investments and acquisitions in recent years as it built out its travel business, most recently fintech platform Brex.
The company has said previously it plans to integrate Brex’s spend management platform into Capital One Travel to help grow business travel revenue.