Mastercard has introduced a new technology called “Agent Pay”, aimed at powering secure and intelligent payments in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Developed with companies including Microsoft and other leading AI platforms, the system is designed to allow AI agents – such as virtual assistants, chatbots, or autonomous shopping tools – to initiate and complete transactions without direct human interaction, via Mastercard’s secure infrastructure.
To do this safely, Mastercard has developed “Agentic Tokens”, which are essentially single-use or limited-use versions of a person’s payment credentials. These tokens allow AI systems to complete transactions without exposing sensitive card data. By using tokenisation, Mastercard maintains high security standards while adapting to the needs of AI-driven commerce.
At a functional level, what Agent Pay actually does is allow AI agents – like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, or even a brand’s automated shopping concierge – to make payments on the user’s behalf. Instead of prompting a user to manually confirm every purchase, the AI can handle everything in the background, securely and intelligently. For instance, a user could say “book my usual flight” or “buy me coffee” and the agent could complete the transaction without additional input.
Of course, this particular ability does not exist just yet, but AI firms are gearing up for such implementations in the near future. In fact, OpenAI announced earlier this week that it is improving ChatGPT’s shopping capabilities – allowing users to search and compare products, as well as provide direct links to buy them.
Shopping
We’re experimenting with making shopping simpler and faster to find, compare, and buy products in ChatGPT.
✅ Improved product results
✅ Visual product details, pricing, and reviews
✅ Direct links to buyProduct results are chosen independently and are not ads.… pic.twitter.com/PkZwsTxJUj
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) April 28, 2025
Beyond enabling individual transactions, Mastercard says Agent Pay also gives banks and merchants more visibility and control. Financial institutions can monitor which transactions are initiated by AI agents and apply rules or safeguards as necessary. For merchants, it opens new channels to serve customers through automated platforms, from smart assistants to integrated enterprise tools.
Mastercard adds that it is also working with major technology partners, including Microsoft and IBM, to explore new applications for Agent Pay across other sectors. These would include travel, retail, and digital services.
(Source: Mastercard [press release])
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