OpenAI launches ChatGPT Wallet for Dots agents

OpenAI is launching ChatGPT Wallet, a payment feature for its Dots AI agents, starting today for eligible ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States. After users add a supported card, agents can buy items in response to prompts, but each purchase requires user approval and biometric verification. OpenAI says the wallet uses payment tokens instead of sharing actual card details with agents or merchants.

Eligibility and approval

ChatGPT Wallet is rolling out for ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the US who are aged 18 or older and use a US billing address. Eligible cards include US-issued American Express, Chase, Mastercard, and Visa cards. Users must approve every purchase, and OpenAI says every purchase requires a security check with biometric verification such as Face ID or a fingerprint scan.

Payment protection

After a user reviews and signs off on an agent's purchase, OpenAI says it substitutes credit card details with a payment token. The company compares this to tap to pay, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet. As a result, the actual card information is not shared with the Dots agent or the business receiving the payment.

Future controls and limits

OpenAI says it eventually expects users to be able to delegate purchases entirely to an agent by setting parameters such as spending limits, purchase categories, or time periods, and pre-approving those purchases. The feature may not work everywhere, because some retailers restrict or block AI agents. OpenAI also says websites need to ensure agents are not inadvertently blocked, and payment and risk systems need to recognize legitimate purchases made by agents.

Sources: The Verge