OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Wallet with Agent Purchases and Restricted Access

Key Takeaways

1ChatGPT Wallet allows agents to make purchases on behalf of the user with biometric validation and tokenized payments.

2Launch limited to Pro subscribers in the United States, aged 18+, with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards issued in the USA.

3OpenAI plans to expand the feature to more merchants, but some, including Amazon, block AI agents.

Why it matters : The feature introduces agent-based purchasing under user control, with a restricted rollout and access barriers at certain retailers.

OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Wallet, a feature that allows its agents, the dots, to make purchases on behalf of the user with biometric validation and tokenized payments. The rollout begins with a limited number of Pro subscribers in the United States, aged 18 and older, who hold an eligible U.S. card. OpenAI is preparing spending controls and aims to expand access to retailers, amid a backdrop where some, including Amazon, block agents.

Amazon blocks AI agents, OpenAI targets more merchants

Amazon prohibits the use of AI agents for purchases on its platform. OpenAI plans to extend its assisted shopping feature to more supported retailers, but this expansion may be limited in areas where sites block access to AI agents. Additionally, Amazon is looking to steer its customers towards its own agent, Alexa.

How it works: payment tokens, limited data, and validation

During payment, ChatGPT Wallet charges the selected card using a payment token, which replaces actual banking details. Thus, neither the dot nor the merchant has access to the card details. The merchant automatically receives the essential data for the order, such as the delivery address and contact information. The user confirms each transaction through a security measure, such as Face ID or a fingerprint, which generates a record of the transaction. OpenAI clarifies that the user remains in control, can view products, the total amount, and the card used, while the dots can assist in selecting and validating the purchase.

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Restricted access and usage terms at launch

The feature is launched for a limited number of ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States, reserved for individuals aged 18 and older with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card issued in the U.S. ChatGPT can now make purchases for the user, following an official launch on a Friday. The subscriber adds an eligible card to ChatGPT Wallet and then requests their dot for the purchase, without needing to re-enter payment information each time. OpenAI specifies that purchases retain the rewards and protections associated with the cards, including the ability to dispute a transaction. This limited availability phase serves to test and improve the feature before a broader rollout.

Emerging market, usage signals, and tools for e-commerce merchants

In the shopping agent ecosystem, DoorDash and Uber have so far reported few orders placed through AI agents. In contrast, Meta's Muse claims over 10 million users, with assisted shopping among its main activities. Other personal agents, such as Instinct, are already handling purchases for users. To support retailers, OpenAI is publishing a Commerce Partner Playbook with tools and recommendations for sites looking to serve customers via agents. OpenAI also plans to add user-side safeguards, such as spending limits and settings by categories or periods, to enable more autonomously managed pre-approved purchases.