American Express is giving frequent flyers a novel keepsake. The company unveiled Amex Passport, a feature that awards digital travel stamps to eligible U.S. consumer card members when they transact abroad.
The stamps live on a public blockchain and serve as collectible mementos rather than a monetary reward. The launch arrives alongside a new Amex Travel App that centralizes inspiration, booking, and trip management for cardholders.
The stamps are designed to commemorate trips and can be personalized with highlights like a standout meal or favorite attraction, then shared with friends and family.
American Express said iOS users will get the new app starting September 18, with Android support following a few weeks later.
Enrollment for Amex Passport sits inside the Amex mobile app under Account, Settings, and Try New Features.
Amex executives are framing the move as a modern twist on the inked passport stamps that many countries no longer offer.
Luke Gebb, executive vice president at Amex Digital Labs, said in a press release, As physical passport stamps continue to disappear, Amex Passport creates an opportunity for Card Members to celebrate their travels.
The company added that each stamp is a unique token stored on a public blockchain.
A richer app experience can also lower friction in planning and booking, which historically correlates with higher use of co-located features like hotel programs and airport lounge tools.
The company’s press materials point to survey data suggesting travelers want a single place to dream, plan, and record trips, and that many miss the ritual of getting stamped.
The timing lines up with Amex’s continued push to differentiate on premium travel services. The fine print matters, and the company did not position these blockchain stamps as tradeable assets.
They are framed as digital collectibles meant to capture memories, not as instruments with resale value. That stance helps sidestep market speculation while still tapping the shareable, permanent qualities of blockchain records.
Digital collectibles can become entry tickets to exclusive experiences, partner offers, or status accelerators. Amex has the partnerships and brand to experiment, and a travel app gives it a controlled environment to test perks without rewriting card terms.
Even if stamps remain purely commemorative, the feature could give Amex a fresh touchpoint with customers after every overseas trip, reinforcing brand affinity at the moment of spend.
The update also includes estimated wait times in the Centurion Lounge digital waitlist, a quality of life tweak for Platinum card members who rely on lounge access.
