American Express has introduced an innovative feature for cardholders that combines travel with blockchain technology. Known as Amex Passport, this new offering allows users to earn digital passport stamps that serve as mementos of their travels. These stamps are designed to function more like personal keepsakes rather than investment tools, and they are tied to actual spending by cardholders when they travel.
The Amex Passport feature issues stamps as ERC-721 tokens on Base, a layer-two solution built on the Ethereum blockchain. To qualify for these unique stamps, cardholders must be US consumer cardholders with their American Express cards linked to their online accounts. Each stamp is awarded when cardholders make in-person purchases in any of over 130 approved countries and regions. Notably, American Express also allows retroactive stamping of past trips for up to two years, based on the user’s purchase history.
Each digital stamp captures basic information, including the country or region visited, the date of the visit, and a brief note that users can customize to reflect a favorite dish or a memorable experience. These stamps can be easily accessed through the Amex Travel app, specifically within the app’s Passport section. Users have the option to share their stamps on social media platforms or save them directly to their device’s photo library. Importantly, these digital keepsakes are non-transferable; cardholders cannot sell or transfer them, as they are intended solely for personal enjoyment.
To earn a stamp, American Express cardholders need to make qualifying purchases using their Amex card or through digital payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay that are linked to their account. Reports indicate that the smart contract associated with the program went live roughly 25 days prior to the official announcement, leading to the issuance of over 20,000 stamps shortly after the launch. This early interest suggests a robust engagement from frequent travelers who already utilize American Express while abroad.
While American Express aims to enhance user experience, there’s an emphasis on privacy. The company has stated that they intend to keep personal information—such as names or specific purchase details—off the public ledger. However, as entries are recorded on a public blockchain, some travel-related data will inevitably be accessible to anyone who inspects the blockchain. American Express has assured users that privacy measures have been implemented, but those who are concerned about the visibility of their travel data should be cautious.
The program appears to tap into a growing desire among travelers for digital alternatives to traditional keepsakes. A recent survey revealed that approximately 73% of respondents are looking for more digital ways to commemorate their trips, while around 56% expressed nostalgia for physical passport stamps. Currently, the program is limited to US consumer cards, excluding corporate accounts, and includes a wide array of eligible destinations worldwide.
