EMVCo Framework Targets Consumer Intent in Agentic Payments

Artificial intelligence agents are being developed to enhance card payment transactions by conveying consumer authorization and transaction authority that is not typically exchanged today. EMVCo, a standards body, is creating a technical framework to standardize this information throughout the payment process. The framework could support consumer intent identification, agent recognition, and signals indicating the involvement of an agent in a transaction.

This data would not dictate business rules but would complement existing networks, issuers, and participant decision-making. The intent services proposed by EMVCo would make this authority information available across the payment flow, while KYA capabilities could help identify and consistently recognize agents. Agentic transaction indicators would signal involvement of an agent in a transaction, aiding in risk assessment, fraud prevention, and operational transparency.

Consumers' willingness to delegate authority to AI agents varies depending on the task, with 56% allowing agents to search and compare products, 37% to authorize payments, and 35% to access saved payment methods. The framework will help EMVCo determine whether new specifications are needed and identify areas for enhancement, such as KYA capabilities and agentic transaction indicators.