OpenAI announced on Friday (13) the ChatGPT Wallet, a system that allows artificial intelligence agents to make payments without accessing the user's original card data. Developed in partnership with American Express, Mastercard and Visa, the tool began to be rolled out gradually in the United States, through Dots, for eligible ChatGPT Pro subscribers.
In the initial implementation, each purchase requires review and authorization by the cardholder, with security verification by biometrics, such as facial recognition or fingerprint. Access is restricted to people at least 18 years old, residing in the United States, with a billing address in the country and an eligible card issued by an American institution.
How the agent pays without accessing the original card
The user registers a card in ChatGPT Wallet and can request that their agent search for products and prepare a purchase. Before payment, the system presents the merchant, the items, the total amount and the selected card for approval.
After authorization, the payment network provides a tokenized credential that replaces the card's real data. This credential allows the charge to be processed without revealing the original information to the agent or the merchant.
According to OpenAI, the mechanism preserves the benefits associated with the card and the protections applicable to payment disputes. The transaction still occurs directly between consumer and store, which remains responsible for prices, delivery, returns and customer service.
“An agent that makes a purchase must strengthen, not circumvent, the trust built into payments,” said Sherri Haymond, Mastercard's global head of digital commerce, in the announcement.
Compatibility with merchants is still limited. Some sites may block AI agents, while anti-fraud systems may reject legitimate transactions. User approval also does not guarantee that the order will be accepted by the merchant.
Alongside the launch, OpenAI published technical guidance to help companies adapt their websites and payment systems. The company also plans to eventually allow users to authorize purchases in advance, subject to defined spending limits, categories and periods. This modality is not yet part of the initial experience announced.
