OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Wallet on November 10, a payment system that allows AI agents to complete purchases on users’ behalf without accessing actual card details. The feature is initially available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States.
The system, built in partnership with American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, requires users to approve each purchase with a security check such as Face ID or fingerprint scan. After approval, payment networks provide a tokenized card number, security code, and expiration date that substitutes for the user’s actual card information. The business receives payment without ChatGPT Wallet sharing the user’s real card details with either the merchant or the agent.
Users maintain their existing card rewards and protections for eligible disputes, according to OpenAI. The company reports that 1.2 billion people use ChatGPT each week, with many already using it to research products and compare options.
OpenAI is releasing guidance to help businesses support customers using agents for purchases. The company said websites need to ensure agents are not inadvertently blocked, and payment and risk systems need to recognize legitimate agent-initiated purchases. OpenAI characterized the initial limited availability as a way to learn from real-world use and work with businesses, banks, and payment networks to improve compatibility and reliability.
The company indicated that over time, users may be able to delegate purchases entirely to their agent through settings, though the excerpt does not detail when this capability might become available.