OpenAI adds ChatGPT Wallet for its dots agents to buy for users

On Friday, OpenAI started ChatGPT Wallet, which lets its dots AI agents buy items for users. Dots are agents that do tasks for a user, such as travel. 3 card networks helped to make it. Users record a card one time, tell a dot to find items, and give approval for each purchase with a security check. OpenAI keeps no part of sales at this time.

How it works

The payment network gives the agent a payment token. It holds a card number, a security code and an expiry date that are good for one transaction only. Cardholders keep their card rewards and protections.

The partners are American Express, Mastercard and Visa.

The proof

OpenAI gave no numbers on use and no test results. Its first try, Instant Checkout from last fall, was stopped fast. By March it had a shopping tool that helps users find and compare items.

What is not known

The source tells that purchases can become a revenue stream after this start. It does not tell when OpenAI will charge a fee, or which merchants will use it. OpenAI tells that it wants a safe system with merchants and network partners first.

Insight: Card networks keep control of agent buying

OpenAI made Wallet with 3 card networks, and they make the token. OpenAI keeps no part of sales at this time. A payments startup also works with the tools of 2 card networks. This reads as a move to hold agent shopping: the networks keep control, and OpenAI gets users first and charges after. Online sellers must select which agent wallets they use.