OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Wallet, a new feature that allows its AI agents, called dots, to make purchases on behalf of users. The feature aims to help people move from searching for products and comparing options to completing purchases through AI.

According to an official announcement by OpenAI, yesterday ChatGPT Wallet has been developed in partnership with American Express, Mastercard and Visa. It will initially be available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and above in the US with eligible US-issued payment cards.

To use the feature, users need to add an eligible payment card to ChatGPT Wallet. They can then ask their dot to help find and purchase products. Before completing a purchase, users can review the merchant, selected items, total amount and payment card. They must approve every transaction through a security check, such as Face ID or a fingerprint scan.

OpenAI said ChatGPT Wallet does not share users’ actual card details with the AI agent or the business. Instead, after the user approves a purchase, a payment token is generated as a substitute for the original card details. This allows the payment to be processed without revealing the actual card information. Users can also continue to receive their existing card rewards and protections for eligible disputes.

The company plans to introduce more options in the future, allowing users to set spending limits, select purchase categories and define time periods for purchases. These options could allow AI agents to complete certain purchases independently within limits approved by users, with additional security measures.

Alongside the launch, OpenAI has introduced a Commerce Partner Playbook to help businesses prepare their websites and payment systems for AI-led shopping. It provides guidance on making product information available, allowing AI agents to access websites and helping payment and risk systems recognise genuine purchases made through AI agents.

ChatGPT Wallet is currently being rolled out gradually through dots to ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and above in the US with eligible US-issued cards. OpenAI said it will work with businesses, banks and payment networks to improve the service and expand its availability over time.