OpenAI launches ChatGPT Wallet to enable AI agent purchases via biometric authentication

OpenAI launched the ChatGPT Wallet service on November 13, 2026, enabling AI agents to perform purchases on behalf of users. The new service allows AI agents to search for products, compare various options, and complete payments. This feature is initially available in the United States for ChatGPT Pro subscribers who are 18 years of age or older and use eligible US-issued cards.

Partnerships and security measures

OpenAI developed the ChatGPT Wallet service through partnerships with American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. To ensure financial security, the system uses a secure token instead of actual card data. This method prevents both the AI agent and merchants from accessing the original banking details of the user. While the AI agent facilitates the transaction, the service maintains existing card benefits, including consumer protections and reward programs.

The transaction process requires active user involvement to prevent unauthorized spending. After reviewing the product details, the total cost, and the selected card, users must authorize each transaction through biometric authentication. This authentication includes methods such as fingerprint recognition or facial recognition. These steps ensure that the user has reviewed the specifics of the purchase before the AI agent completes the payment.

AI agent capabilities and future plans

The AI agents used within the service are referred to as dots. These agents are systems designed to execute specific tasks on behalf of users, such as managing calendars or booking travel. With the introduction of ChatGPT Wallet, these agents can now manage the financial aspect of consumer tasks. This expansion allows the AI to move from information retrieval to active task execution through the use of the new wallet feature.

OpenAI has indicated that the service will evolve to allow more autonomy for the AI agents. OpenAI stated that users may eventually delegate purchases entirely to agents by defining specific parameters. These parameters could include spending limits, specific product categories, or designated timeframes. This would allow the AI agent to operate within a set of rules established by the user to manage shopping tasks independently.

Regarding the cost of the service, OpenAI stated it will not take a commission from transactions during the initial launch phase. The company is focusing on the integration of the payment system within the existing ChatGPT Pro subscription model. As the service expands beyond the initial United States launch, the technical infrastructure remains centered on the use of secure tokens and biometric verification to protect user financial data.

Glossary

• ChatGPT Pro — ChatGPT Pro is a paid version of the popular language model. It is a subscription model that includes features such as the ChatGPT Wallet service.
• dots — Dots are the term used to refer to the AI agents used within the ChatGPT Wallet service. These agents are systems designed to execute specific tasks on behalf of users.
• biometric authentication — Biometric authentication is a method used to authorize transactions. It includes methods such as fingerprint recognition or facial recognition.