As artificial intelligence continues to reshape digital commerce, Visa has announced a new collaboration with ChatGPT that allows AI agents to shop and complete payments on behalf of users. The move marks a significant step toward making AI assistants capable of handling end-to-end purchasing experiences.
Under the partnership, users will be able to connect their Visa cards to ChatGPT, enabling the AI platform to not only recommend products but also complete purchases at merchants that accept Visa. Unlike previous attempts that were limited to specific retailers or selected merchants, the new integration is designed to work across Visa’s broader payment network.
The development follows OpenAI’s earlier e-commerce initiative, Instant Checkout, which launched in late 2025. The feature allowed ChatGPT to search online for products and assist with purchases but faced challenges due to transaction fees charged to merchants. OpenAI discontinued the service in March.
With the new collaboration, OpenAI will provide the technology that enables AI agents to interact, make decisions, and initiate purchases through ChatGPT. Visa will manage payment authorization and fraud monitoring to support transactions at scale.
Speaking about the partnership, Jack Forestell, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Visa, said, “As AI agents become active participants in the economy, Visa’s focus is to ensure transactions are trusted, secure and seamless.”
As an example, a user searching for wireless headphones under $150 can ask ChatGPT for recommendations, and the AI agent can identify a suitable option and complete the purchase on the user’s behalf.
Neither Visa nor OpenAI disclosed financial details of the partnership or potential fees for customers and merchants. OpenAI’s previous Instant Checkout service reportedly charged merchants 4% of the transaction value, which many considered expensive.
To address concerns around unauthorized purchases and fraud, Visa said the system will include safeguards such as spending limits, approval requirements, and merchant controls.
The announcement comes as AI-driven shopping gains momentum across the industry. Visa’s rival Mastercard has also introduced AI-powered purchasing capabilities, allowing AI agents to procure services on behalf of businesses.
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