OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Wallet, a new payment feature that allows artificial intelligence (AI) agents to shop and make online purchases on behalf of users. Developed in partnership with American Express, Mastercard and Visa, the service aims to make online shopping easier by allowing users to delegate product searches, comparisons and checkout processes to AI assistants.
Announced on November 13, the new feature represents an important development in OpenAI’s efforts to expand ChatGPT beyond conversations, research and content creation. With ChatGPT Wallet, users can ask their AI agents to find products, compare available options and complete purchases without repeatedly entering their card details.
The feature works through OpenAI’s AI agents, called dots, which are designed to handle tasks on behalf of users. Customers can add an eligible credit or debit card to ChatGPT Wallet and allow their AI agent to assist with shopping. Once the agent identifies a suitable product, users can review the order and approve the payment.
OpenAI, however, has made it clear that the system will not allow AI agents to spend money independently at this stage. Every transaction requires the user’s approval, along with an additional security check.
How ChatGPT Wallet payments work
The payment process is designed to reduce the effort involved in online shopping while keeping users in control of their money. Instead of entering card information every time they make a purchase, customers can save an eligible card in ChatGPT Wallet and use it for subsequent transactions.
Before completing a purchase, the AI agent displays the selected products, merchant details, total amount and payment card. Users can review these details and authorise the transaction through a security check, such as Apple’s Face ID or Touch ID, or fingerprint authentication on supported devices.
Once the transaction is approved, the payment network generates a digital payment token. This token acts as a substitute for the user’s actual card details and includes the information required to process the payment, such as a card number, security code and expiry date.
The system ensures that neither the AI agent nor the merchant receives the customer’s original card information. The payment is charged to the selected card through the tokenised payment system.
Another important aspect is that customers will continue to receive their existing credit card rewards and benefits. Eligible card protections, including the ability to dispute certain purchases involving defective products, will also remain available.
OpenAI has designed the feature to work with existing merchant payment systems. Businesses will continue to manage product pricing, order fulfilment, returns and customer service, while transactions will take place directly between customers and merchants.
ChatGPT Wallet initially available to US users
Despite its wider ambitions, ChatGPT Wallet will initially have limited availability. OpenAI is gradually rolling out the feature through dots to ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and above in the United States.
Users must have an eligible US-issued American Express, Chase, Mastercard or Visa card and a US billing address. The company has not announced a timeline for introducing the payment facility in India or other international markets.
The wallet is also restricted to conversations with dots and is not currently available in regular ChatGPT conversations, ChatGPT Work or standalone Codex threads.
Eligible customers can set up the feature by asking their dot to add a card to ChatGPT Wallet or by visiting the Wallet section in their ChatGPT settings. Card information must be entered through a secure form rather than directly into a conversation. Banks may also require additional verification before allowing a card to be used.
OpenAI has cautioned that not every website will necessarily support purchases made through AI agents. Users must also check the merchant’s confirmation after checkout, as approving a payment does not automatically guarantee that an order has been successfully placed.
OpenAI works with businesses to expand AI shopping
The launch also brings attention to the challenges involved in making AI-powered shopping work across different online platforms. While AI agents can help customers find products and compare prices, some websites may block automated browsing activity. Payment security systems may also flag transactions initiated by AI agents as suspicious, potentially resulting in declined payments or cancelled orders.
To address these concerns, OpenAI has released a Commerce Partner Playbook to help businesses prepare their websites and payment infrastructure for agent-led purchases.
The company is working with payment service providers, including Adyen, Checkout.com and Stripe, as well as fraud prevention companies such as Forter, Riskified, Sardine and Signifyd. The aim is to help these platforms identify legitimate transactions initiated by AI agents without compromising existing security measures.
OpenAI also wants retailers to make product information, pricing and availability easier for AI assistants to access. This could help agents provide more accurate recommendations and complete shopping tasks more efficiently.
AI agents could take on more purchasing decisions
OpenAI’s longer-term plan is to allow users to delegate more purchasing decisions to AI agents by setting specific conditions. These could include spending limits, permitted product categories and time periods within which purchases can be made.
For instance, users could eventually instruct an AI agent to purchase household essentials within a fixed budget or buy a particular product when its price falls below a specified amount. Such transactions could be pre-approved under defined conditions, with additional safeguards and transaction records.
The development reflects the growing competition in agentic commerce, where AI assistants are expected to move beyond providing recommendations and begin completing everyday tasks. Technology companies are increasingly exploring ways to combine product discovery, payments, travel bookings and other services within AI platforms.
OpenAI says ChatGPT is already used by millions of people to research products and make buying decisions. By introducing ChatGPT Wallet, the company is attempting to bring the entire shopping process into the AI experience.
