Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment tools
We are witnessing the next stage in the evolution of financial technology: the Alchemy platform, together with Visa, has introduced AgentCard — a specialized service that equips AI agents with their own payment infrastructure. Now, neural networks can make online purchases on behalf of users without requiring their direct involvement in the process.
The solution is based on integration with Visa Intelligent Commerce, providing AI agents with a full set of identification and payment data: a virtual Visa card, email address, phone number, and cryptocurrency wallet. Developers can configure payment access through a single API in literally a minute.
Agents based on models such as OpenAI or Anthropic gain the ability to book tickets, order groceries, and manage subscriptions. The user only needs to set the parameters — and the system handles all the routine tasks.
Flexibility and Security of Transactions
The system supports spending limits, category restrictions, and customizable budgets. By default, payments are processed through Visa tokens, preserving bank bonuses and credit lines. If the merchant accepts digital assets, the service automatically switches to the crypto wallet.
The AgentCard protocol independently selects the optimal payment method based on merchant support. Visa, in turn, guarantees the security and scalability of such transactions.
This is not the first step in this direction. Previously, MetaMask announced a wallet for the era of autonomous AI, and Coinbase launched a service for connecting agents to user accounts with predefined limits.
My expert opinion: The launch of AgentCard is a logical response to the growing need for autonomous financial operations. However, the key challenge remains trust: users must be confident that their agents will not exceed their authority or fall victim to fraudulent schemes. Without transparent control and audit mechanisms, such solutions risk remaining a niche experiment.