Walmart (WMT.US) launches AI proxy shopping tool: can authorize purchases and set spending limits

The Zhitong Finance App learned that Walmart (WMT.US) announced the launch of a new tool on Wednesday to allow AI agents to shop and complete transactions for customers, with a view to taking a place in the increasingly popular field of online business AI assistants. This approach is in stark contrast to Amazon (AMZN.US), which previously sought to restrict third-party AI shopping agents from accessing its platform.

Walmart said it will launch “Agent Profiles” (Agent Profiles) next month. Shoppers can authorize specific AI agents to track their purchases separately, and set spending limits or require approval for each transaction.

Walmart said that customers can monitor AI agent orders separately from their own orders, and can revoke proxy access at any time.

Mizuho analyst David Bellinger said in the report that these tools have strengthened people's confidence in “agency buying,” a shopping process that is still “experimental.” He added that the momentum and approval of the senior management team seemed to be making this a reality.

Walmart also launched the “Walmart Agent Gateway” (Walmart Proxy Gateway). This platform allows AI assistants such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Meta's Muse to directly connect to Walmart and Sam's Club systems to search for products and complete purchases.

Walmart said customers still maintain control over purchases. AI agents are not allowed to access payment card data and may be blocked for violating company rules.

Walmart says these tools will be open to all Walmart account holders and will not require a Walmart+ membership.