American Express (Amex) has rolled out a new digital travel stamp feature that lets U.S. consumer cardholders commemorate trips with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) stored on the blockchain. The feature, called Amex Passport, is designed as a modern keepsake to replace disappearing physical passport stamps and is part of a broader update that includes the launch of the new Amex Travel App.
Blockchain-powered digital keepsakes
Each travel stamp is stored as an ERC-721 token on Base, Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling network. According to Amex press release, the stamps can be customized to reflect highlights from each trip, such as a favorite meal, special attraction, or memorable activity, while storing only limited metadata.
The stamps include the country or region visited, a description, and the date earned. Amex emphasized that personal details and trip data are not visible on Base. Stamps cannot be transferred between users or sold, making them a non-tradable personal collectible.
A smart contract for the travel stamps was created about 25 days ago, according to data from block explorer BaseScan. Amex is working with Fireblocks to provide wallet services, ensuring secure custody of the tokens.
Customer experience focus
The launch coincides with Amex’s broader Travel App, which becomes available on iOS on September 18, with Android access following in the weeks ahead. The app combines destination inspiration, trip planning, booking, and management into one platform.
Features include:
- Curated destination guides for trip inspiration
- Centralized booking for flights, hotels, and car rentals
- Access to premium Amex programs such as Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection
- Digital management of Card benefits and travel details
- A new Centurion Lounge wait time tracker so Platinum Card Members can better plan their airport visits when lounges are at capacity
Consumer demand for digital travel memories
Survey data collected by Amex shows strong interest in digital keepsakes:
- 73% of respondents said they wanted more ways to commemorate past trips digitally.
- 56% of respondents said they miss receiving physical passport stamps when arriving in a new country.
“Part of the magic of travel is reminiscing about past getaways, and commemorative keepsakes are a powerful way for travelers to relive their favorite trips,” said Luke Gebb, Executive Vice President at Amex Digital Labs.
“As physical passport stamps continue to disappear, Amex Passport creates an opportunity for Card Members to celebrate their travels.”
Crypto adoption in travel
Amex Passport joins a niche but growing intersection between financial services, blockchain, and the travel industry:
- In February 2024, Travala integrated crypto payments for 2.2 million hotels listed on Trivago, enabling direct bookings with cryptocurrencies.
- Triple-A data shows that 14% of crypto transactions in 2024 were spent on travel and hospitality.
- Travala’s data highlights that crypto users typically spend more per hotel stay and stay for longer periods, reflecting remote work and flexible travel lifestyles.
- Several airlines worldwide have also started to offer crypto payment options for flight bookings.
Looking ahead
With the blockchain travel stamps and its new Travel App, Amex is positioning itself at the intersection of digital collectibles, payments innovation, and premium travel services. The initiatives are part of a wider push to make travel planning and commemoration both simpler and more personalized for cardholders.
For Amex, the stamps also serve as a high-visibility example of how blockchain technology can be applied beyond finance markets, giving customers a decentralized yet secure way to record personal experiences.
Anastasiia G
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