ChatGPT Wallet lets OpenAI's Dots agents buy things for you

Background and Rollout

OpenAI is expanding its Dots AI agents platform, introduced earlier this year, by adding a dedicated payment tool called ChatGPT Wallet. The feature is rolling out to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the US who are 18 and older, requiring a US billing address and eligible major credit cards from American Express, Chase, Mastercard, and Visa.

Security and Privacy

OpenAI reports that users must add a card to the wallet, after which Dots agents can initiate purchases based on user prompts. However, the agent must check in with the user before finalizing any transaction. Every purchase requires a security check using biometric verification, such as Face ID or a fingerprint scan. Similar to Apple Pay or Google Wallet, the system replaces actual credit card details with a payment token, meaning card numbers are hidden from both the AI agent and the merchant.

Future Plans and Limitations

Looking ahead, OpenAI expects users to eventually fully delegate purchases to their agents by defining parameters like spending limits, approved categories, or specific timeframes. However, practical hurdles remain. Some retailers restrict or block AI agents entirely, similar to how Amazon blocked Meta's Muse agents earlier this year. OpenAI notes that online stores must update their websites, payment gateways, and risk systems to accommodate legitimate agent purchases and prevent accidental blocking.