OpenAI incorporates direct purchases in ChatGPT

OpenAI has announced a new feature in ChatGPT that marks a step toward so-called agentic commerce, where artificial intelligence not only helps find products, but also purchase them. The novelty is Instant Checkout, a system that allows completing a purchase without leaving the chat and relies on the Agentic Commerce Protocol, an open standard created together with Stripe and merchant partners.

The first phase is available for users in the United States with ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and free accounts. For now, items from Etsy sellers can be purchased, while over a million Shopify merchants will be incorporated shortly, including names like Glossier, SKIMS, Spanx, and Vuori. Currently only single-item purchases are supported, although it is expected to soon expand to multi-item carts and more regions.

The system works in an integrated manner: when someone searches for a product, ChatGPT displays relevant results without sponsorships or promotions. If an item is compatible with Instant Checkout, users can confirm payment, shipping, and details without leaving the conversation. Payments are processed through each merchant's systems, which maintain control over pricing, customer service, and order management.

The Agentic Commerce Protocol is presented as the foundation of this model. It is an open-source protocol that establishes a common language for connecting AI agents, people, and businesses in transactions, regardless of the platform or payment processor used. Its design enables rapid integration and keeps sellers as directly responsible for the customer relationship.

Additionally, security measures have been incorporated such as explicit confirmations at each step, use of encrypted payment tokens, and minimal data exchange with buyer consent. OpenAI and Stripe ensure the protocol is designed to be secure, scalable, and easy for developers to adopt.

With this launch, ChatGPT opens the door to a new scenario in digital commerce, where artificial intelligence not only acts as a search assistant, but also as an intermediary in the purchase. The company has released the protocol documentation so that more merchants and developers can begin building integrations today.

Key points

• OpenAI launches Instant Checkout, a system to purchase products directly from ChatGPT without leaving the chat.
• The feature is based on the Agentic Commerce Protocol, an open-source protocol developed with Stripe.
• Initially available in the United States for users with free, Plus, and Pro accounts with Etsy sellers.
• Over a million Shopify merchants will be incorporated soon, including brands like Glossier, SKIMS, and Spanx.
• Product results are organic, without sponsorships or preferences for Instant Checkout compatibility.
• Merchants maintain full control over payments, customer service, and order management through their existing systems.
• The protocol enables rapid integrations regardless of the platform or payment processor used.
• Includes security measures such as explicit confirmations, encrypted payment tokens, and minimal data exchange.