American Express has broadened its interest in blockchain technology from business-to-business solutions to customer-facing tools. A recent filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office describes the technology being used to "generate a proof-of-payment payload", with transactions denied or approved on the blockchain. Amex used the example of a hotel room in its filing, explaining how blockchain-based payment verification would enable a hotel room door to be unlocked. The company is also looking at ways that it can use blockchain for other purposes, such as tracking inventory and managing customer loyalty programs.
American Express has broadened its interest in blockchain technology from business-to-business solutions to customer-facing tools. A recent filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office describes the technology being used to "generate a proof-of-payment payload", with transactions denied or approved on the blockchain. Amex used the example of a hotel room in its filing, explaining how blockchain-based payment verification would enable a hotel room door to be unlocked. The filing follows an earlier one, also related to verification, that focuses on accelerated payments between two parties.