OpenAI Launches Instant Checkout in ChatGPT, Enabling Direct Purchases from Etsy and Shopify Stores

OpenAI has introduced a new feature allowing users to buy products directly through ChatGPT, marking a major step toward its vision of fully autonomous AI agents. Starting today, all ChatGPT users in the U.S. can use Instant Checkout to purchase items from Etsy sellers without leaving the chat interface. The feature is designed to streamline online shopping by enabling users to complete purchases with just a few taps after receiving product recommendations. In the coming months, OpenAI plans to expand Instant Checkout to more than a million Shopify merchants, including well-known brands like Glossier, SKIMS, and Spanx. Currently, the feature supports only single-item purchases, but OpenAI has confirmed that multi-item carts and broader regional availability are in development. The technology behind Instant Checkout, called the Agentic Commerce Protocol, has been open-sourced and was developed in partnership with payment processor Stripe. The goal is to establish a standardized framework for AI-driven commerce, making it easier for developers and retailers to integrate their stores with ChatGPT and other AI platforms. This move is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to build intelligent agents capable of handling complex, real-world tasks. Recent updates to ChatGPT have laid the groundwork for this ambition. Last week, the company launched ChatGPT Pulse, which gathers relevant information and connects to users’ calendars and email to deliver a personalized daily briefing. ChatGPT Agent, another feature introduced this year, can interact with user apps but still requires explicit instructions to act. In January, OpenAI unveiled OpenAI Operator, a tool that can fill out forms and place orders autonomously—though users still need to manually enter payment details at checkout. As AI agents evolve, one key challenge remains: access to personal data. For these systems to function effectively, they must securely access and process sensitive information like payment details, shipping addresses, and calendar events. Instant Checkout works by allowing users to confirm their order, shipping, and payment details directly within the chat. Subscribers can use a card already on file or select another payment method. Once confirmed, the order is passed to the seller, who fulfills it as usual. OpenAI acts as a middleman, sharing only necessary buyer information. The service is free for users, but sellers will pay a small fee on each completed transaction. OpenAI emphasized that products with Instant Checkout won’t be prioritized in search results, ensuring that recommendations remain unbiased. However, when multiple sellers offer the same item, the availability of Instant Checkout will be considered in the ranking to enhance the user experience. With this launch, OpenAI is not only simplifying online shopping but also pushing the boundaries of what AI assistants can do—bringing the era of intelligent, self-acting agents closer than ever.