Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment tools
The artificial intelligence industry is taking a decisive step into the world of finance. The Alchemy platform, together with Visa, has introduced the AgentCard service — a solution that equips AI agents with full payment capabilities for making online transactions on behalf of users.
Integration with the Visa Intelligent Commerce infrastructure provides neural networks with a comprehensive set of data: a virtual Visa card, a separate 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 literally minutes.
How It Works
AI agents operating on models from OpenAI or Anthropic gain the ability to independently book tickets, order groceries, and manage subscriptions. The user does not need to participate in the checkout process — simply setting the parameters is enough. The system supports spending limits, category restrictions, and customizable budgets.
By default, payments are processed through Visa tokens, allowing bank bonuses and credit lines to be preserved. If the merchant accepts digital assets, the service automatically switches to the crypto wallet. The AgentCard protocol itself selects the optimal payment method based on merchant support.
"Every technological shift has created new economic participants. AI agents are the next stage — they need access to the global economy," noted Alchemy CEO Nikhil Viswanathan.
Visa representatives emphasize that their infrastructure will ensure the security and scalability of such transactions. This is a logical step in the evolution of payments, where agents become not just tools, but full-fledged market participants.
Previously, MetaMask announced a wallet for the era of autonomous AI, and Coinbase launched a service connecting an AI agent to a user's account for trading and payments within set limits. AgentCard from Alchemy and Visa is further confirmation that autonomous agents are becoming real economic entities.
Analyst's opinion: This is a landmark step that blurs the boundaries between humans and machines in the financial sphere. However, the key issue remains security: trust in AI agents will require strict verification and control protocols. The technology is ready, but regulators will have to catch up with reality.