OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Wallet, a new feature allowing AI agents to shop for users. Developed with American Express, Mastercard and Visa, it uses secure tokens to mask card details. Users must approve every purchase with biometric checks. OpenAI said, "users will continue to receive their existing card rewards and protections."
AI assistants are stepping into commerce as digital shoppers using secure tokens that mask sensitive card data during automated transactions. While initial rollouts require strict biometric approvals for every purchase, future updates will introduce automated spending limits. Discover how merchants are adapting their infrastructure to accommodate autonomous AI buyers.
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Wallet, a new payment feature that allows AI agents to make purchases on behalf of users without accessing their actual credit or debit card details. Developed in partnership with American Express, Mastercard and Visa, the feature aims to make AI-powered shopping more secure while allowing users to retain control over individual transactions.
ChatGPT Wallet will initially be available through OpenAI's dots for ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and above in the US, with eligible US-issued cards.
The launch marks a step towards agentic commerce, where AI agents can handle tasks such as researching products, comparing prices and completing purchases on behalf of users.
How does ChatGPT Wallet work?
ChatGPT Wallet allows users to add a payment card once and authorise purchases made by their AI agents without repeatedly entering their card details.
Before completing a transaction, the user reviews the items being purchased, the total amount and the selected payment card. They must then approve the purchase through a security check, such as Face ID or a fingerprint scan.
Once the user approves the transaction, the payment network generates a payment token that acts as a substitute for the user's actual card details. The token includes a card number, security code and expiry date.
The payment is then charged to the selected card without ChatGPT Wallet sharing the user's actual card details with the business or the agent.
Each approval also creates a record of the purchase authorised by the user, providing greater visibility and control over transactions.
Who is liable if something goes wrong?
OpenAI says users will continue to receive their existing card rewards and protections for eligible disputes with businesses, including situations where a purchased product is defective.
The payment system is designed to work through existing card networks, with banks and payment networks bringing their expertise to transaction evaluation.
Importantly, users continue to transact directly with businesses. These businesses retain control over pricing, order fulfilment, returns and customer service.
This means ChatGPT Wallet does not replace the existing relationship between customers and merchants. If a product is defective or a purchase leads to an eligible dispute, users can continue to rely on the protections available through their selected card.
However, OpenAI has not announced a blanket liability arrangement under which it would automatically compensate users for every problem arising from an agent-led purchase. The applicable card protections and the circumstances of the dispute will remain relevant.
Can AI agents make purchases without user approval?
Not yet under the initial ChatGPT Wallet system. Users must review and approve each purchase through a security check before the payment is completed.
However, OpenAI plans to eventually allow users to delegate purchases entirely to their AI agents by setting specific conditions.
These could include spending limits, permitted purchase categories and time periods during which agents can make purchases.
The company expects to introduce enhanced safeguards for such delegated transactions, building on existing protections, including biometric checks and clear records of authorisation.
How is OpenAI helping businesses prepare for AI-powered shopping?
Alongside ChatGPT Wallet, OpenAI has released a Commerce Partner Playbook to help businesses adapt their websites and payment systems for agent-led purchases.
The guidance focuses on three key areas: making accurate product information available, ensuring AI agents can access websites and working with payment and risk providers to prevent legitimate transactions from being declined.
Businesses can claim and verify their profiles on ChatGPT, update their details and upload product feeds containing current prices and availability.
OpenAI is also encouraging businesses to configure their content delivery networks and firewalls to recognise signed requests through Web Bot Auth, ensuring that security systems do not inadvertently block ChatGPT agents.
The company is working with fraud prevention firms, including Forter, Riskified, Sardine and Signifyd, as well as payment service providers such as Adyen, Checkout.com and Stripe, to improve the recognition of legitimate agent-led purchases.
Businesses can also build plugins that allow AI agents to check product availability, manage shopping carts and perform other actions through their existing systems.
When will ChatGPT Wallet be available?
ChatGPT Wallet is beginning its rollout through dots, OpenAI's personal agent platform. Initially, the feature will be available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and above in the US who have eligible US-issued payment cards.
OpenAI said it would use feedback from the initial rollout to work with businesses, banks and payment networks to improve compatibility and reliability before expanding availability.
The company has not announced a timeline for its rollout to other countries or subscription plans.