OpenAI has rolled out a new tool, ChatGPT Wallet, which allows users to have their AI agents make purchases with their credit or debit card, without needing to reenter their card details every time.
Users add their card once, then approve each purchase they make with a security check such as Face ID or a fingerprint scan, after reviewing the items, the total, and the selected card. OpenAI says that the payments will be charged to their selected card without ChatGPT Wallet actually sharing their card details with the business or agent, using a "payment token" as a substitute for the card details.
For readers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, ChatGPT Wallet isn’t an option yet. OpenAI hasn’t announced a regional launch date or published pricing in AED, SAR, or EGP. Anyone looking for a local alternative can check out du Pay, which has launched in the UAE, though it works with local cards rather than AI agents.
The feature is currently rolling out for a limited number of ChatGPT Pro users based in the US, via dots, ChatGPT’s agent tool. You’ll need to be over 18 and have an eligible US-issued card to use the service. Cards from Visa, Mastercard and American Express are all supported.
OpenAI says the new tool means users can keep their card’s existing rewards, for example, racking up airline credits, and keep their protections for eligible disputes with businesses, for example, if an item is defective and they need to dispute the transaction.
The AI giant says one day it expects users will “delegate purchases entirely to their agent” by setting parameters—such as spending limits, purchase categories, or time periods—and pre-approving those purchases with safeguards like biometric checks.
OpenAI is also rolling out what it calls its Commerce Partner Playbook, to explain to businesses how they can integrate their platforms with the service. For example, it explains how to configure their CDN or firewall to ensure they are not inadvertently blocking ChatGPT agents from their sites, or blocking legitimate purchases.
The role AI agents are set to play in online retail is unclear, with both consumers and major institutions voicing their concerns. Research from Visa recently found that only 23% of US consumers trust generative AI to handle payment transactions on their behalf, though 61% said they would trust Visa to handle the agentic transactions.
Meanwhile in September, six banking groups—ASB Bank, Bank of America, Capital One, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ING Group, and NatWest Group—published a paper which highlights the “potential for higher rates of scams, fraud, and disputes.” For example, an agent could be tricked into buying fake goods.
Meanwhile, some of the largest online retail platforms have blocked major AI agents altogether. In September Amazon blocked Meta’s Muse AI assistant from shopping its store on a user’s behalf, saying that using an unauthorized AI agent violated its terms and conditions.
For now, the practical answer for Middle East shoppers is simple: you can’t add a card to ChatGPT Wallet, and a locally issued card won’t qualify under the current US-only rules. Watch for an expansion announcement from OpenAI before planning around it. Our earlier coverage of how ChatGPT Wallet lets dots agents shop without seeing your card explains the mechanics in more detail.
Amazon’s block on unauthorized agents is a reminder that agent shopping will depend on each retailer’s rules. We haven’t confirmed how Amazon.ae, Noon, or other regional stores treat AI agents, so check those policies before you let an agent spend on your behalf.