American Express is bringing the nostalgia of passport stamps into the digital age with a new blockchain-based initiative that lets travelers collect commemorative “stamps” as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The program, called Amex Passport, gives eligible U.S. cardholders the chance to receive customizable travel stamps stored as ERC-721 NFTs on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network. Each stamp records the country or region visited, a short description, and the date earned, while keeping personal details private. The NFTs are non-transferable and available only to holders of a U.S. Amex consumer card linked to an online account.
“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 of Amex Digital Labs. “As physical passport stamps continue to disappear, Amex Passport creates an opportunity for card members to celebrate their travels.”
Card members can personalize each stamp to highlight a favorite attraction, memorable meal, or unique experience, and share the images on social media or save them to a camera roll. Trips booked through Amex within the last two years will automatically qualify for stamps.
Rising Demand for Digital Keepsakes
A recent American Express survey revealed that 73% of travelers are interested in digital ways to commemorate trips, while 56% said they miss traditional passport stamps. By using a public blockchain, Amex ensures long-term security and transparency without relying on a centralized server, a growing trend among major institutions.
The U.S. Department of Commerce, for example, recently announced plans to publish economic statistics on blockchain networks, reflecting wider adoption of decentralized record-keeping.
Crypto and Travel Converge
American Express’s move aligns with a broader intersection of cryptocurrency and tourism. Crypto-native travel platform Travala added crypto payment options for 2.2 million hotels on Trivago earlier this year, and data from Triple-A shows that 14% of all crypto transactions in 2024 were related to travel and hospitality. Travala reports that crypto travelers spend more and stay longer, reflecting the flexibility of remote work lifestyles.
By combining the charm of travel memorabilia with the permanence of blockchain technology, American Express is betting that digital collectibles can replace the fading ritual of passport stamping—offering a modern keepsake for the next generation of global explorers.
