Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment tools
The world of cryptocurrencies and traditional finance is taking another step towards automation. The Alchemy platform, together with Visa, has introduced a new service called AgentCard. This solution gives artificial intelligence the ability to independently make online purchases on behalf of the user. Now there's no need to queue for tickets or keep track of subscription deadlines — a smart agent will do it for you.
How does AgentCard work?
The integration with Visa Intelligent Commerce provides neural networks with a full set of tools: a virtual Visa card, an email address, a phone number, and a cryptocurrency wallet. Developers can configure payment access through a single API in just a minute. Agents based on OpenAI or Anthropic models will be able to book tickets, order groceries, and renew subscriptions — all without human intervention.
Security and flexibility
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 a merchant accepts digital assets, the service can use a crypto wallet. The AgentCard protocol automatically selects the optimal payment method based on merchant support.
"Every shift in technology has created new economic participants. AI agents are the next stage, and 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 is not the first step towards autonomous finance: previously, MetaMask announced a wallet for the AI era, and Coinbase launched a service for connecting agents to user accounts.
My expert analysis: AgentCard is not just another plugin, but an attempt to create a standard for the AI agent economy. It's too early to talk about mass adoption, but it's a step in the right direction: if agents can manage finances without human involvement, this will open up new markets for cryptocurrencies and DeFi. However, security and control issues remain key — trust in autonomous systems will have to be earned gradually.