Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment tools
The cryptocurrency and blockchain technology market continues to integrate with artificial intelligence. The Alchemy platform, together with payment giant Visa, has introduced the AgentCard service — a solution that enables AI agents to make online purchases on behalf of users.
How AgentCard Works
The integration with Visa Intelligent Commerce provides neural networks with a full set of data for autonomous operation: a virtual Visa card, an email address, a phone number, and a cryptocurrency wallet. Developers can configure the agent's access to pay for goods and services through a single API in less than a minute.
AI agents based on models from OpenAI or Anthropic can book tickets, order groceries, and renew subscriptions without user involvement in the checkout process. The system supports spending limits, store category restrictions, and customizable budgets.
Technical Features
By default, payments are processed through Visa tokens, allowing users to retain bank bonuses and credit lines. If a merchant accepts digital assets, the service can automatically switch to a crypto wallet. The AgentCard protocol independently selects the optimal payment method based on the seller's support.
Alchemy CEO Nikhil Viswanathan emphasizes: "Every shift in technology has created new economic participants. AI agents are the next stage — they need access to the global economy." Visa representatives add that the company's infrastructure will ensure the security and scalability of such transactions.
Context and Competition
Previously, MetaMask announced a wallet for the era of autonomous AI, and Coinbase introduced a service for connecting AI agents to user accounts. These events indicate the formation of a new sector in the crypto industry — infrastructure for autonomous digital agents.
Expert opinion: The launch of AgentCard is not just another partnership project but an important step toward creating a full-fledged economy for AI agents. However, the key challenge remains security: autonomous payments require reliable control mechanisms and fraud prevention. For now, the solutions from Alchemy and Visa look promising, but the market will evaluate their effectiveness in practice.