3 Payment Stocks Built for the Rise of AI Agents

AI agents that can bargain over real money move the idea of machine-led transactions from theory to something much closer to checkout screens and payroll systems. The planned Anthropic IPO, pitched as potentially record breaking, has pulled more attention toward the rails that could carry this flow. For investors, that raises both excitement and risk. This piece profiles three stocks from our AI Transaction & Payments Infrastructure screener that appear positioned to benefit from these negotiation-agent trends, and explains what recent news might mean for their future role in digital deal-making and settlement.

The stocks highlighted below are just a small sample, and the full screen surfaced 34 more companies with equally interesting payment and infrastructure stories that are not covered in this article. To size up that broader field and identify which rails, processors, and marketplaces best fit your own thesis, head straight into the AI Transaction & Payments Infrastructure screener.

Nayax (TASE:NYAX)

Overview: Nayax provides hardware, software, and payment rails that let vending machines, kiosks, EV chargers, and other unattended points of sale accept cashless, API friendly transactions.

Operations: Nayax generates about $453 million from internet software and services, reflecting its focus on payments, management platforms, and transaction processing.

Market Cap: ₪5.4 billion

Nayax plugs directly into the AI Transaction & Payments Infrastructure theme by turning unattended machines into fully fledged merchants that software agents can transact with at scale.

"The accelerating shift from cash to contactless payments globally is driving increased transaction volumes and recurring revenue growth, now representing 74% of revenue and expanding at >30% YoY, indicating continued predictable, higher‑margin earnings as the broader adoption of digital payment infrastructure continues to play out.

What happens to that earnings profile if one unseen pressure on funding costs and margin mix starts to bite harder over time.

That funding squeeze is the real hinge for Nayax, and the full narrative for Nayax breaks down where pricing power, capital intensity, and AI driven volumes could unexpectedly decouple.

GMO Payment Gateway (TSE:3769)

Overview: GMO Payment Gateway runs payment rails and financial services that let online and in person merchants process digital transactions and embedded banking flows used by AI agents.

Operations: GMO Payment Gateway generates about ¥67,939 million from Payment Processing, ¥21,685 million from Money Services, and ¥1,818 million from Payment Enhancement, with minor unallocated adjustments.

Market Cap: ¥702.6 billion

GMO Payment Gateway fits within the AI Transaction & Payments Infrastructure theme, handling the card, wallet, and banking APIs that machine agents could call when they settle a bill or move funds between counterparties. Investors watching Anthropic’s push into negotiation bots may care because transaction volumes and fee economics can be influenced by how one unresolved funding constraint develops over time.

If that funding constraint is what you are watching, the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign shows where GMO Payment Gateway’s AI transaction story could accelerate next.

Rakuten Group (TSE:4755)

Overview: Rakuten Group runs an integrated ecosystem of e-commerce marketplaces, fintech and payment services, digital content, and mobile communications across multiple regions.

Operations: Rakuten Group generates about ¥1.40t from Internet Services, ¥1.09t from Fintech, and ¥0.51t from Mobile, before internal eliminations.

Market Cap: ¥1.41t

For the AI Transaction & Payments Infrastructure theme, Rakuten Group matters because its shopping, cards, and e-money rails are being wired directly into agent-style AI experiences that can originate, route, and settle transactions inside one closed loop.

"AI-driven operational efficiencies, targeting a 31% reduction in customer support costs, are anticipated to improve net margins by boosting profitability across Rakuten's operational segments."

What happens to that margin story if a single pressure point inside Rakuten’s funding mix and ecosystem dependence starts to shift direction?

That pressure point is exactly where the full narrative for Rakuten Group shows how funding risks, AI efficiencies, and Rakuten Group’s broader ecosystem could still accelerate in surprising ways.

Seeking Alternatives Before Momentum Flies

Fresh ideas move first. Late money often gets caught chasing momentum while prices are already flying. Scan these curated shortlists before the story goes mainstream and act now.

• Spot sturdy balance sheets before resilience gets fully priced in by reviewing the list of solid balance sheet and fundamentals (204 results). It filters for quality and financial strength that may be under the radar for now.
• Target income workhorses while yields remain elevated by checking the 215 dividend fortresses. It is built to surface high-payout payers that others often only notice after a breakout.
• Track early robotics momentum before automation headlines crowd the trade by using the 91 robotics and automation stocks. It focuses on businesses already building real-world traction.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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