ChatGPT Launches Instant Checkout With Agentic Commerce Protocol
ChatGPT is entering the world of e-commerce transactions with the launch of Instant Checkout, a new feature that allows users to complete purchases directly in chat. The service is powered by the Agentic Commerce Protocol, an open standard co-developed with Stripe to enable secure and seamless AI-driven commerce.
More than 700 million people already use ChatGPT each week, many to research products. With Instant Checkout, ChatGPT is now bridging the gap between discovery and purchase. U.S.-based users on Plus, Pro, and Free plans can buy directly from Etsy sellers, with access to over a million Shopify merchants – including well-known brands like Glossier, SKIMS, Spanx, and Vuori – rolling out soon.
How Instant Checkout Works
When users search for items – like “best running shoes under $100” or “gifts for a ceramics lover” – ChatGPT displays relevant product results based on organic rankings. If a product supports Instant Checkout, a “Buy” button appears.
The purchasing process is simple:
- Users confirm their order, shipping, and payment details directly in chat.
- Payments can be made using cards already on file or via express checkout options.
- Merchants handle order processing, fulfillment, and customer support using their existing systems.
Importantly, product rankings are not influenced by Instant Checkout availability or fees. Merchants pay a small fee per completed transaction, but prices remain unchanged for buyers.
The Agentic Commerce Protocol
At the heart of this new shopping experience is the Agentic Commerce Protocol, which standardizes how AI agents, users, and businesses interact to complete purchases. It allows merchants to:
- Integrate across different platforms and payment processors.
- Maintain full control over customer relationships, fulfillment, and support.
- Connect without overhauling their backend systems.
For Stripe users, enabling agentic payments can be done with as little as one line of code. Merchants using other processors can still participate via Stripe’s Shared Payment Token API or by adopting the Delegated Payments Spec.
Built for Trust
OpenAI emphasizes that Instant Checkout prioritizes user control and security:
- Each purchase requires explicit confirmation.
- Payments use encrypted, merchant-specific tokens.
- Only essential order details are shared with merchants.
What’s Next
Instant Checkout currently supports single-item purchases, but multi-item carts, broader merchant integrations, and international availability are planned. By open-sourcing the Agentic Commerce Protocol, OpenAI invites developers and merchants to build on this foundation and expand agentic commerce.
This marks the beginning of a shift in how AI connects people and businesses – not only guiding product discovery but completing the entire shopping journey.
The announcement has already shifted markets: Etsy’s stock climbed 16% and Shopify gained 6% today, reflecting investor optimism around new AI-driven commerce opportunities.
