Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment tools
Alchemy platform, together with payment giant Visa, has introduced an innovative solution called AgentCard — a service that allows artificial intelligence to make online purchases on behalf of the user. This is not just another automation tool, but a true breakthrough in integrating neural networks into the global economy.
At the core of AgentCard lies integration with Visa Intelligent Commerce. AI agents receive a full set of digital data: a virtual Visa card, an email address, a phone number, and a cryptocurrency wallet. Developers need just one API to configure the neural network's access to paying for goods and services within minutes.
How does it work?
AI agents based on OpenAI or Anthropic models are now able to independently book tickets, order groceries, renew subscriptions — all without human involvement in the checkout process. The system supports flexible spending limits, restrictions by store categories, and customizable budgets. By default, payments are processed through Visa tokens, preserving the user's banking rewards and credit lines. If the merchant accepts digital assets, AgentCard can utilize the crypto wallet.
"Every shift in technology has created new economic participants. AI agents are the next stage — they need access to the global economy," emphasized Alchemy CEO Nikhil Viswanathan. Visa, in turn, guarantees the security and scalability of transactions through its infrastructure. The AgentCard protocol automatically selects the optimal payment method based on the merchant's support.
Context and prospects
This is not the first step toward an autonomous economy. Previously, MetaMask announced a wallet for the AI era, and Coinbase launched a service connecting neural networks to user accounts for trading and payments within set limits. AgentCard from Alchemy and Visa is a logical continuation of the trend where AI becomes not just an assistant, but a full-fledged participant in transactions.
My analysis: This is a landmark moment for the crypto industry. AgentCard blurs the line between traditional fiat payments and cryptocurrencies, creating a unified interface for AI agents. However, the key challenge is security and trust. If a neural network gains access to finances, the risk of hacking or errors increases manifold. Nevertheless, this is an inevitable step toward an economy where AI will manage resources as naturally as humans do.