Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment methods
Blockchain infrastructure platform Alchemy, together with Visa, has announced the launch of AgentCard — an innovative service that endows artificial intelligence with the ability to independently make online purchases on behalf of the user. This is not just an integration, but a full-fledged breakthrough in the automation of the digital economy.
How It Works
The solution is based on Visa Intelligent Commerce technology and provides each AI agent with a full set of digital tools: a virtual Visa card, an email address, a phone number, and a cryptocurrency wallet. Developers only need to configure a single API — and the agent gains access to paying for goods and services in literally a minute. Models based on OpenAI or Anthropic can now book tickets, order groceries, or renew subscriptions without human involvement in the checkout process.
Flexibility and Security
The system supports spending limits, restrictions by store categories, 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 can utilize a crypto wallet. The AgentCard protocol automatically selects the optimal payment method, adapting to the merchant's capabilities.
Expert Perspective
"Every shift in technology has created new economic participants. AI agents are the next stage — they need access to the global economy," said Alchemy CEO Nikhil Viswanathan. Visa representatives emphasize that their infrastructure ensures the security and scalability of such transactions.
This step is part of a global trend. Previously, MetaMask announced a wallet for the era of autonomous AI, and Coinbase introduced a service connecting agents to user accounts for trading and payments within set limits. Estonia, in turn, is working on digital IDs for AI agents.
My opinion: AgentCard is not just a convenience, but a fundamental shift. We are witnessing the birth of a new category of economic entities — autonomous AI agents that will be able to manage finances, sign contracts, and interact with the market. Cryptocurrencies play a key role here, providing a decentralized and flexible payment infrastructure. In the coming years, such solutions will become the standard, not the exception.