AI agents can now utilize Visa's payment system through AgentCard
Alchemy, a blockchain infrastructure firm, has announced that its AgentCard service can now connect AI agents to the Visa network, enabling these agents to conduct online transactions on behalf of users. This integration allows AgentCard, which serves as a virtual identification and spending card, to leverage Visa Intelligent Commerce for various tasks, including booking travel and grocery shopping, all without requiring user interaction at checkout.
AgentCard holders can use Visa-issued tokens for transactions, maintaining their rewards and credit options without needing to set up new accounts. Each AgentCard is linked to a unique email address and phone number, providing the necessary identity framework for AI agents to register for services and operate with credentials akin to human users.
The trend of agent-native payment protocols is gaining momentum, with major companies like Stripe, Visa, and Mastercard exploring what is being termed agentic commerce. Alchemy's CEO, Nikil Viswanathan, stated, "Every significant technological transition has led to the emergence of a new category of economic participant... AI agents are the next frontier, and AgentCard is the gateway to their access to the global economy."
