Payment giants are preparing for a world where AI agents book flights and shop for you (www.cnbc.com)

Visa and Mastercard are spearheading the development of "agentic commerce," a new trend where AI systems perform tasks like product discovery, deal comparison, and seamless in-chat payments on behalf of users. Set to launch by 2026, this initiative aims to improve the shopping experience by allowing customers to complete transactions directly within chat interfaces, eliminating the need to switch between platforms. The technology is expected to revolutionize how consumers shop online, particularly for tasks such as booking flights or making retail purchases, providing a level of automation and personalization previously unattainable. However, the rollout of agentic commerce also presents significant challenges. Security concerns around authenticating AI agents, liability in the event of transaction errors, and the establishment of robust dispute resolution frameworks are critical issues that payment giants are actively addressing. To mitigate these risks, Visa has introduced the "Trusted Agent Protocol," utilizing cryptographic tokens to authenticate AI transactions. As the landscape evolves, merchants will likely need to adapt their strategies to incorporate AI-driven price discovery and customer engagement, paving the way for a transformative shift in global commerce.