OpenAI introduces Instant Checkout feature within ChatGPT
OpenAI introduces Instant Checkout feature within ChatGPT
OpenAI has unveiled a significant advancement in online shopping with the launch of its new Instant Checkout feature, transforming ChatGPT into an active shopping partner. This innovation allows users to browse, select, and purchase products directly within the chat interface, eliminating the need to visit multiple websites. Initially rolled out for US-based ChatGPT users, the feature supports single-item purchases and is set to expand its reach and capabilities in the near future.
A seamless shopping experience with ChatGPT
ChatGPT, already relied upon by millions for product recommendations, has now taken a step further toward becoming a true shopping companion. With Instant Checkout, users can now complete purchases directly within the chat window. This feature currently supports purchases from US-based Etsy sellers, with plans to integrate over one million Shopify merchants - including renowned brands such as Glossier, SKIMS, and Spanx - in the coming months.
For now, the new tool focuses on single-item purchases, but OpenAI has indicated that multi-item purchases, a broader selection of merchants, and international availability are on the horizon.
How Instant Checkout works
Instant Checkout simplifies the shopping process, allowing users to go from product discovery to purchase in just a few clicks. When a user asks ChatGPT for recommendations - such as "best running shoes under $100" or "gifts for a ceramics lover" - the AI provides organic, unsponsored product suggestions ranked purely based on relevance.
If a product supports Instant Checkout, users can simply tap "Buy", confirm their payment and shipping details, and complete their purchase without leaving the chat. Payment options include cards on file for existing subscribers or other supported methods. Importantly, all orders, payments, and fulfillment processes remain under the control of the merchant, with ChatGPT securely transmitting the necessary details.
Benefits for users and merchants
For shoppers, Instant Checkout offers an unprecedented level of convenience, removing the need to navigate between multiple websites to make a purchase. For merchants, the feature unlocks access to ChatGPT’s vast user base, providing them with a new revenue stream. Merchants maintain full control over payments, fulfillment, and customer relationships, ensuring they remain at the center of the transaction process.
The service is free for users, while merchants pay a small fee for completed transactions. Additionally, OpenAI has underlined that product rankings remain fair and unbiased, as recommendations are determined by factors such as availability, price, quality, and seller status.
Powered by the Agentic Commerce Protocol
The backbone of Instant Checkout is the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP), an open standard developed in collaboration with Stripe and other key merchants. ACP is designed to ensure secure, efficient transactions while being easy for businesses to adopt. It is platform-agnostic and works with a variety of payment processors and business types.
ACP’s key features include cross-platform compatibility, quick integration without major system overhauls, and full merchant control over customer interactions. For example, merchants using Stripe can enable agentic payments with minimal effort, while others can participate via ACP’s Shared Payment Token API or Delegated Payments Spec.
OpenAI is also open-sourcing the Agentic Commerce Protocol to encourage innovation and enable businesses to create their own integrations. This approach underscores OpenAI’s commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem where AI agents, businesses, and users can seamlessly interact.
Pioneering the future of online shopping
OpenAI’s Instant Checkout represents a pivotal step in the evolution of online commerce, bridging the gap between product discovery and purchase. By integrating purchasing capabilities directly into ChatGPT, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the emerging field of agentic AI-driven commerce.
This development also signals a shift in the competitive landscape of online shopping. With tech giants like Google and Microsoft exploring similar AI-powered tools, and Amazon potentially facing disruption, OpenAI’s collaboration with Shopify merchants and its open-source approach could redefine the dynamics of ecommerce.
For now, US-based ChatGPT users can already take advantage of Instant Checkout for Etsy purchases, with additional merchant support and expanded features expected in the future. As OpenAI puts it, ChatGPT has evolved from being a conversational AI to becoming a true shopping companion, ushering in a new era of convenience for users and opportunities for merchants alike.