American Express has introduced a new blockchain-based feature called Amex Passport, allowing U.S. cardholders to earn digital travel stamps each time they make qualifying purchases abroad. The digital collectibles are issued as ERC-721 tokens on Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 Base network, marking the financial giant’s latest foray into web3 technology.
The Amex Passport program captures and stores personal travel mementos as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on-chain, but without emphasizing the “NFT” label in its user interface. Instead, the company is presenting them as emotional keepsakes—a modern evolution of the now-rare physical passport stamp.
“When physical stamps are vanishing, Amex Passport gives Card Members a new way to celebrate travel,” said Luke Gebb, Executive Vice President of Amex Digital Labs. According to a recent company survey, 73% of travelers want digital ways to commemorate trips, while 56% miss traditional passport stamps.
To earn a digital stamp, U.S.-based Amex cardholders must make an in-person purchase in any of 130 eligible countries or regions using their card or a linked digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Past trips from up to two years ago are also included, based on transaction history.
Each digital stamp includes the country name, travel date, and a short description—but cannot be sold, traded, or transferred. The tokens are private and accessible only via the Amex Travel app, ensuring no personal travel data is publicly visible on the blockchain.
As of mid-September, over 20,000 stamps have already been issued, per blockchain data. The smart contract powering the feature was deployed roughly 25 days before launch.
The move follows a broader trend of utility-based blockchain adoption in travel. In 2023, Lufthansa launched a similar program on Polygon, while South Korea’s Jeju Island is set to release an NFT-based tourism card in 2025.
American Express is also expanding its crypto partnerships. A Bitcoin rewards card with Coinbase is slated for release later this year, offering up to 4% cashback in BTC.
With Amex Passport, the company is prioritizing real-world use over speculation, showcasing how blockchain can create personalized, meaningful experiences rather than just financial products.