New Wallet Feature Launch
OpenAI has introduced a new ChatGPT Wallet feature that allows its AI agents, known as dots, to assist users in selecting products and completing purchases. This feature is currently available to a limited number of U.S. ChatGPT Pro subscribers aged 18 and older who possess a U.S.-issued Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card.
How the Wallet Works
Subscribers can add their eligible payment cards to the ChatGPT Wallet once, eliminating the need to re-enter card details for each transaction. When users request assistance from a dot, the AI can suggest items, and users can review their cart, total cost, and the payment method before finalizing the purchase. Payments are processed using a payment token, which protects the user’s actual card details from being shared with the dot or the merchant. Users must approve transactions through a security check, such as Face ID or a fingerprint, which also creates a record of the approval. The merchant receives the necessary information to fulfill the order, including shipping and contact details.
Privacy and Protections
OpenAI assures that customers using dots for shopping will continue to earn credit card rewards and benefit from standard dispute protections associated with their cards. The limited availability at launch is designed to allow OpenAI to test and refine the feature before a wider rollout.
Future Plans and Industry Challenges
Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to introduce additional controls that will enable users to set spending limits and configure purchase categories or time frames. The company also aims to expand the number of supported retailers. However, the rollout may face challenges, as some retailers, including Amazon, have restricted AI agents from accessing their platforms, favoring their own AI assistant, Alexa. To assist retailers in adapting to this new form of commerce, OpenAI has released a Commerce Partner Playbook, providing tools and guidance for those wishing to support customers using AI agents.
Original source: TechCrunch AI