American Express has unveiled a novel way for U.S. cardholders to immortalize their travel experiences by offering digital collectibles that are securely stored on the blockchain. Announced on September 15, the initiative allows users to earn aesthetically pleasing digital “stamps” that reflect the countries they visit when utilizing their cards abroad.
These stamps, which can be personalized with memorable highlights from each trip, enable users to share their adventures with friends and family through text messages. The stamps are recorded as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ethereum Layer 2 network called Base, a project associated with Coinbase. Importantly, these digital collectibles carry no monetary value and are non-transferable.
This offering marks American Express’s second partnership with Coinbase within a few months. Earlier in June, Coinbase had introduced the Coinbase One Card, a credit card co-branded with Amex that provides users with up to 4% cash back in Bitcoin.
Additionally, Fireblocks, a provider of digital asset custody solutions, has come on board as the wallet-as-a-service provider for the Amex Passport stamps. This collaboration enables American Express to discreetly offer a blockchain wallet service for its card members.
Colin Marlowe, Vice President of Amex Digital Labs, explained that the decision to utilize NFTs for the travel stamps was driven by the desire for lasting digital mementos. He also mentioned that American Express would cover blockchain fees on behalf of its customers, although he did not clarify the specifics of this arrangement.
This new offering aligns with American Express’s broader goal of enhancing the travel experience for its users. To further support this mission, the company launched the Amex Travel App on September 18, providing a centralized platform for users to plan and book their trips seamlessly.
A survey that informed the app’s development revealed that 73% of respondents wished for more digital ways to commemorate their travels, while 56% expressed nostalgia for traditional passport stamps. The Amex Passport stamps are also available within the standard Amex mobile application, signifying a continued effort to embrace digital innovation.
This initiative also illustrates the growing incorporation of Web3 technologies into mainstream applications, highlighting how companies are leveraging blockchain to enhance user experiences in travel and beyond.
