In a groundbreaking move blending blockchain technology with travel experiences, American Express has introduced “Amex Passport,” a feature that rewards U.S. cardholders with digital NFT passport stamps for their international journeys. Announced on September 15, 2025, this innovative tool aims to preserve the magic of travel in an increasingly digital world, where traditional physical passport stamps are fading away.
What Are Amex Passport Stamps?
Amex Passport allows eligible American Express cardholders to collect customizable digital stamps each time they make an international transaction using their card. These stamps are not just simple icons; they are blockchain-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs) minted on Coinbase’s Base network, an Ethereum Layer-2 solution known for its scalability and low fees. Technically classified as ERC-721 tokens, the stamps serve as valueless commemorative keepsakes rather than tradable assets.
As explained by Colin Marlowe, VP of Emerging Partnerships at Amex Digital Labs, “It’s a valueless ERC-721, so technically an NFT, but we just didn’t brand it as such.” This approach ensures the focus remains on enhancing the travel experience without the speculative elements often associated with NFTs. Each stamp features designer artwork representing the visited country or region, and users can personalize them with highlights like favorite attractions, meals, or hotel stays.
How Does It Work?
The process is seamless and integrated into the American Express mobile app. Here’s how travelers can start collecting their digital stamps:
- Eligibility Check: Only U.S. consumer Amex cardholders with their cards linked to their online account qualify. Access the feature via the app: Account > Settings > Try New Features > Amex Passport.
- Earning Stamps: Whenever you use your Amex card for international purchases or bookings, a stamp is automatically minted. Trips booked through Amex up to two years ago can also be retroactively added.
- Customization and Storage: Stamps display the country, a short description, and the date of the trip. Importantly, personal details are not stored on-chain for privacy reasons—only limited metadata is visible.
- Sharing Memories: Users can share their stamps on social media, send them via text to friends and family, or save them to their camera roll. However, the underlying tokens are non-transferable, ensuring they remain personal mementos.
This feature is part of a larger update to the Amex Travel App, which also includes booking tools, travel inspiration, and estimated wait times for Centurion Lounges. A recent Amex survey revealed that 81% of travelers prefer an all-in-one app for planning and inspiration, while 56% miss the nostalgia of physical passport stamps.
Why Blockchain for Travel Stamps?
The choice of blockchain technology underscores American Express’s commitment to innovation. By using Base, Amex benefits from Ethereum’s security and interoperability without the high costs of the mainnet. Luke Gebb, Executive Vice President at Amex Digital Labs, stated, “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. As physical passport stamps continue to disappear, Amex Passport creates an opportunity for Card Members to celebrate their travels.”
Fireblocks provides Wallet-as-a-Service support, spinning up crypto wallets on the backend to facilitate the minting process. This setup ensures a tamper-proof, immutable record of travels, giving users a sense of permanence akin to inked stamps in a physical passport.
Benefits for Travelers
- Nostalgic Yet Modern: Revives the joy of collecting stamps digitally, appealing to 73% of surveyed travelers who want more ways to remember trips.
- Privacy-Focused: No personal trip data is exposed on the blockchain, protecting user information.
- Enhanced Engagement: Customizable stamps make sharing stories easier, potentially inspiring future travels.
- Seamless Integration: Ties into Amex’s ecosystem, including rewards and lounge access, for a richer travel experience.
The Bigger Picture: Blockchain in Travel
American Express’s launch signals a growing trend in the travel industry adopting Web3 technologies. With the crypto travel sector gaining momentum, initiatives like this could pave the way for more utility-driven NFTs, such as loyalty points or verifiable travel histories. Partnerships with Coinbase highlight how traditional finance is bridging to blockchain, positioning Amex as a leader in premium, tech-forward services.
As Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, noted, “Travelers want a simpler way to plan and book trips – all in one place – and the new Amex Travel App delivers just that.”
Get Started with Amex Passport Today
If you’re an eligible Amex cardholder, download or update the American Express app and enable Amex Passport to begin your digital collection. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer, these NFT stamps offer a unique way to immortalize your global adventures.
For more details, visit the official American Express website or explore the feature in-app. Travel smarter, collect forever!
