Skift Take
Young Americans are choosing credit card travel portals like Chase Travel and Capital One Travel over online travel giants such as Expedia and Booking.com, according to a survey conducted by Skift Research.
Are you more likely to book your next trip through your bank credit card’s reservation platform, such as Chase Travel or Capital One, or would you prefer using online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com? Perhaps booking directly with airlines and hotels is your preferred method?
If you’re under 35 in the United States, you are likely to favor using your bank credit card’s travel portal, as revealed by Skift Research.
The survey found that around a third of Gen Zs and Millennials in the US book their airline and hotel reservations through credit card platforms, while only a quarter choose online travel agencies.
In contrast, older travelers tend to use online travel agencies more than credit card portals.
A Rising Generation Opts for Next-Gen Travel Players
Skift Research surveyed 1,001 US travel credit card holders who had taken at least one long-distance, overnight trip in late 2023. The survey was conducted online by a trusted third-party consumer panel provider.
Between 32% and 36% of travelers aged 18-34 booked trips through credit card reservation portals, using their credit cards for payment or rewards redemption, while 24% to 25% used online travel agencies.
For older travelers, the preference is reversed, with online travel agencies being more popular. Individuals over 55 booked through online travel agencies about 27% of the time, compared to only 11% to 12% through credit card platforms.
Direct booking was a popular choice across all age groups, with 40% to 60% of travelers opting for this method.
Online Travel Companies Still Benefit
While bank-led programs like Chase Travel and Capital One Travel have experienced rapid growth, they source most of their inventory from business-to-business contracts with online travel giants like Expedia and Booking Holdings. These companies still earn commissions by providing travel services to banking partners.
However, if a generational shift towards booking through credit card portals continues, it could impact the margins of online travel companies in the long run.
