OpenAI launches ChatGPT Wallet for purchases by AI agents
The initial US rollout is limited to ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and over who have eligible US-issued cards.
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Wallet to enable its dots AI agents to make purchases on users’ behalf while keeping their actual payment card information hidden. The company said it developed the service with American Express, Mastercard and Visa.
After adding a card, users must check their intended purchase, its total cost and the selected card before authorizing payment through a security check, such as a fingerprint scan or Face ID. Each authorization produces a record specifying what the agent was permitted to purchase.
The payment network then supplies a token with a separate card number, security code and expiration date. OpenAI said neither the merchant nor the agent receives the underlying card details. Cardholders retain rewards and protections for eligible disputes, while merchants remain responsible for prices, fulfillment, returns and customer service.
CNBC reported that OpenAI currently takes no share of purchases. OpenAI expects users eventually to delegate shopping entirely to agents, subject to limits covering spending, purchase categories or time periods.
OpenAI said website defenses can unintentionally stop agents, while fraud checks may reject legitimate transactions. It has issued guidance for merchants and is collaborating with fraud specialists Forter, Riskified, Sardine and Signifyd, alongside payment providers Adyen, Checkout.com and Stripe.
Acceptance remains uneven. United Airlines said it will prevent agents from booking flights, while CNBC reported that Amazon blocks their purchases. Walmart allows agent shopping through profiles that carry their own spending limits.
