Alchemy and Visa launch AgentCard: AI agents get their own payment tools
Blockchain infrastructure platform Alchemy has partnered with payment giant Visa to launch AgentCard, an innovative service that empowers artificial intelligence to conduct online transactions on behalf of users. This is not just another step in automation, but a fundamental shift in the role of AI in the economy.
How It Works
The solution is based on integration with Visa Intelligent Commerce, providing neural networks with a full set of digital tools: a virtual Visa card, an email address, a phone number, and a cryptocurrency wallet. Developers can configure the agent's payment access through a single API in under a minute. AI agents running on OpenAI or Anthropic models gain the ability to independently book tickets, order groceries, and renew subscriptions, completely eliminating the need for user involvement in the checkout process.
Flexibility and Security
The system supports strict spending limits, merchant category restrictions, 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 automatically switches to the crypto wallet. The AgentCard protocol independently selects the optimal payment method based on merchant support, making the process highly flexible.
"Every technological shift has created new economic participants. AI agents are the next stage—they need access to the global economy," said Alchemy CEO Nikhil Viswanathan.
Industry Context
This launch is not an isolated trend. Previously, the MetaMask team announced a wallet for the era of autonomous AI, and Coinbase introduced a service that connects an agent to a user's account for trading and payments within set limits. Clearly, the industry is moving toward creating a full-fledged economy where AI agents will become not just tools, but independent economic entities.
Analytical Conclusion. AgentCard from Alchemy and Visa is not just a convenient tool, but a signal of the beginning of a new era in payment infrastructure. We are witnessing a transition from passive AI usage to its active participation in financial operations. In the coming years, we can expect the emergence of entire ecosystems where agents will manage budgets, invest, and conduct commerce, requiring a revision of regulatory norms and security standards.