Visa enables ChatGPT's AI agents to shop, complete purchases for users

Visa announced a partnership with OpenAI on Tuesday that will allow ChatGPT-powered AI agents to shop and complete purchases on behalf of users, marking a major step toward what the companies describe as the future of "agentic commerce."

The collaboration enables ChatGPT not only to recommend products but also to make purchases using Visa's global payment network.

Under the new system, users will be able to link their Visa cards to ChatGPT and authorise the AI assistant to make purchases within pre-defined limits.

The technology is designed to allow AI agents to search for products, compare options, complete checkouts, and manage transactions without requiring users to manually visit online stores.

Visa says the service will include safeguards such as spending caps, merchant restrictions and approval requirements to ensure users remain in control of purchases.

Initially, many transactions are expected to require human approval before payment is completed, although the companies envision a future where trusted AI agents can handle routine purchases more autonomously.

"AI will transform commerce more profoundly than the internet or mobile technology ever did," Visa Chief Product and Strategy Officer Jack Forestell said while announcing the partnership.

The initiative forms part of Visa's broader Intelligent Commerce strategy, which seeks to integrate secure payment capabilities into AI-powered experiences.

How it works

A user could ask ChatGPT to find a pair of wireless headphones or makeup under a specific budget, compare available options, select the best deal and complete the purchase using a linked Visa card.

The AI agent would effectively act as a personal shopper, handling the research and checkout process.

The system relies on Visa's payment authorisation infrastructure and fraud monitoring tools, while OpenAI provides the AI capabilities that enable ChatGPT to interact with merchants and make purchasing decisions based on user instructions.

Will Kenyans benefit?

Potentially, yes, but with limitations. Kenyan users who have access to ChatGPT and hold Visa-enabled debit or credit cards could eventually benefit from the feature once it becomes available in our region.

Since Visa operates globally and has an established presence in Kenya through partnerships with local banks, the underlying payment infrastructure already exists.

However, availability will depend on several factors, including OpenAI's regional rollout plans, merchant support, local banking integrations and regulatory requirements.

For Kenyan consumers, the technology could make online shopping easier by allowing AI to compare prices, find products and complete transactions across international and local merchants that accept Visa.

Businesses could also benefit from improved customer experiences and potentially higher conversion rates as AI-assisted shopping becomes more common.

The announcement has also sparked debate about security, privacy and consumer protection.

Online discussions following the announcement have highlighted concerns about accidental purchases, fraud and how disputes would be handled when an AI agent makes a transaction on behalf of a user.

Visa says its existing security framework, spending controls and fraud-monitoring systems are designed to address these risks.

But whether Kenyan consumers fully embrace AI-powered shopping may ultimately depend on trust, convenience and the effectiveness of the safeguards put in place.