OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Wallet for AI agent purchases

OpenAI has introduced a new wallet service called ChatGPT Wallet, allowing its AI agents called Dots to make purchases on behalf of users. This service is now available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States who are 18 years or older and have a US billing address with credit cards from American Express, Chase, Mastercard, or Visa.

When users add a card to the wallet, Dots agents can use it to make purchases in response to their prompts, but they will ask for approval each time before completing the transaction. OpenAI has implemented a biometric verification process, such as Face ID or fingerprint scan, for every purchase made through ChatGPT Wallet to enhance security.

Once users review and approve the purchase, OpenAI substitutes the user's credit card details with a payment token, ensuring that their actual card information is not shared with the Dots agent or the business being transacted with. In the future, OpenAI plans to allow users to fully delegate purchases to their AI agents by setting parameters such as spending limits, purchase categories, or time periods, and pre-approving those transactions.

However, it's important to note that ChatGPT Wallet may not be universally compatible with all retailers, as some have restrictions on AI agents or completely block them. Earlier this year, Amazon even blocked Meta's Muse agents due to such restrictions. For Dots agents to utilize ChatGPT Wallet, websites must ensure that these agents are not inadvertently blocked, and payment and risk systems must recognize legitimate purchases made by the agents.