OpenAI has introduced a new wallet feature for ChatGPT that enables its AI agents, known as dots, to assist users with shopping and complete transactions. The launch marks a significant expansion of the company’s agentic capabilities, moving beyond simple information retrieval into direct commerce. The feature is initially available to a limited number of ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States who are 18 years or older and possess a U.S.-issued Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card.
How the ChatGPT Wallet Works
Users begin by adding eligible payment cards to the new ChatGPT Wallet. This setup is a one-time process, meaning customers do not need to re-enter payment details for every transaction. Once the card is linked, users can ask their dot to help find and purchase items. When it is time to finalize the order, the wallet charges the selected card using a payment token. This token acts as a substitute for actual card details, ensuring that neither the dot nor the merchant receives sensitive financial information.
OpenAI emphasizes that users retain full control over the purchasing process. Before a transaction is completed, users can review the selected items, the total cost, and the payment card that will be used. The final step requires explicit approval through a security check, such as Face ID or a fingerprint scan. This creates a verifiable record of the transaction and ensures that no purchase occurs without user consent.
Merchants automatically receive the necessary information to fulfill orders, including shipping addresses and contact details. OpenAI states that customers shopping through their dots will still earn credit card rewards and retain standard card protections, such as the ability to dispute transactions.
Entering the Agentic Commerce Market
The move into automated shopping places OpenAI in direct competition with other personal AI agents. Companies like Instinct already support making purchases on behalf of users. Meanwhile, Meta’s Muse, which has surpassed 10 million users, has seen AI-assisted shopping become a primary activity on its platform. Although companies like DoorDash and Uber have reported relatively low volumes of orders placed by AI agents, the potential for growth remains a key driver for these integrations.
OpenAI plans to expand the feature’s capabilities in the future. The company aims to allow users to set spending limits and configure parameters for purchase categories or time periods. This would enable pre-approval of certain purchases, allowing agents to handle more transactions autonomously. The company also intends to broaden the list of supported retailers, though this presents challenges. Some major retailers, including Amazon, have blocked AI agents from their sites to steer users toward their own proprietary agents, such as Alexa.
To assist merchants in adapting to this shift, OpenAI published a Commerce Partner Playbook. This document provides tools and guidance for websites that wish to support customers using AI agents for shopping. The limited initial rollout allows OpenAI to test the feature and refine its capabilities before a broader release.
Source: TechCrunch
