Visa links with ChatGPT to let AI agents shop and pay for users
Last Updated: 2026-06-11 10:40:13
Payment giant Visa has integrated its network into ChatGPT, enabling AI agents to shop and complete transactions independently. This marks a significant step towards a future where AI handles online purchases, from groceries to plane tickets, on behalf of users, establishing AI as an active participant in digital commerce.
This integration allows AI agents to move beyond product recommendations. They can now identify items and finalize purchases through any merchant accepting Visa.
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Unlike previous limited attempts, this broad application could transform how individuals interact with online retail and manage their shopping needs.
AI's new role in E-commerce
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OpenAI's past ventures, like Instant Checkout, failed due to errors and high merchant fees. Visa's partnership offers a distinct approach by linking user cards directly to ChatGPT. This simplifies transactions for users and a wide array of merchants, addressing prior adoption hurdles.
OpenAI provides the technology for AI agents to interact and initiate transactions within ChatGPT. Visa, the largest payment network outside China, delivers payment authorization and fraud monitoring. Jack Forestell, Visa's chief product officer, stated their focus is to ensure "trusted, secure and seamless" transactions for AI agents.
Ensuring trust and security
Forestell illustrated with an example: a user tells ChatGPT to find wireless headphones, which the chatbot then buys. While users trust AI for product discovery, executing purchases requires more trust. This trust relies on robust infrastructure, secure processes, and clear rules established by Visa.
Financial terms of the Visa and OpenAI collaboration remain undisclosed. This contrasts with OpenAI's Instant Checkout, which charged a 4 percent fee, a rate merchants found too high. Addressing fee structures will be crucial for widespread adoption and merchant integration.
Consumer protection and safeguards
AI agents making purchases raise concerns regarding overspending, incorrect items, or unauthorized transactions.
Banks are watchful of potential fraud claims from AI-initiated credit or debit card usage, underscoring the need for comprehensive protective measures and accountability.
Visa incorporates guardrails: spending limits, mandatory approval steps, and pre-approved merchant lists. Forestell confirmed Visa would handle disputes using standard rules, assessing consumer intent and merchant processing. He also noted modifications to Visa's token framework to prevent transaction issues.
The Future of AI in Commerce
This initiative aligns with broader industry trends, including Amazon's Alexa and Mastercard's AI shopping features for businesses.
These developments signal a growing adoption of AI in commercial transactions across various sectors.
Forestell predicts building full trust in AI agents will take time. Initially, Visa anticipates most transactions will require human approval.
However, as confidence grows, the system may allow agents to proceed without explicit human intervention, gradually shifting digital commerce habits.