Blockchain infrastructure provider Alchemy has introduced AgentCard, a Visa-powered virtual payment card built for artificial intelligence systems. The product allows AI agents to independently execute and manage payments using Visa’s Intelligent Commerce technology.
AgentCard is designed to plug AI directly into global payment networks, giving autonomous systems the ability to transact across more than 175 million merchant locations where Visa is accepted.
Built-in controls and flexible payment rails
The card uses tokenized payment credentials that default to Visa-issued tokens, while remaining compatible with cryptocurrency and other emerging payment methods as merchant adoption grows. Each AI agent is assigned a dedicated Visa token along with an email, phone number, and crypto wallet through a single API integration.
Users can configure spending limits, transaction caps, and budget rules directly within the system. Payment routing adjusts automatically as new networks or protocols become available, avoiding the need for manual updates.
Industry push toward machine-driven payments
Alchemy’s launch comes as major payment providers expand into AI-driven commerce. Mastercard recently rolled out its “Agent Pay for Machines” program, focusing on high-frequency autonomous transactions. Tether-backed Oobit has also introduced tools enabling bots to manage corporate Visa spending cards.
At the same time, blockchain-native solutions are emerging. MetaMask’s Agent Wallet, released earlier this month, offers AI systems direct access to networks like Ethereum, allowing transactions without relying on traditional payment rails.
Bridging traditional finance and crypto
AgentCard is positioned as a hybrid solution, combining existing payment infrastructure with future-facing blockchain capabilities. Its payment-agnostic design enables a gradual shift from traditional card networks to alternatives such as cryptocurrencies, depending on merchant support.
This dual approach reflects broader industry efforts to prepare for machine-to-machine payments that may eventually rely on faster or decentralized settlement systems.
Security concerns shape design
The platform incorporates strict controls around spending and merchant access, responding to concerns about autonomous purchasing. Research suggests that while nearly half of consumers are open to AI handling transactions, most still express reservations about oversight and security.
By embedding customizable safeguards, the system aims to balance automation with user-defined boundaries.
Growing market signals rapid adoption
The push toward agent-based payments is backed by rapid growth in AI adoption. Estimates suggest agent-driven commerce could generate between $3 trillion and $5 trillion in revenue by 2030, while the AI agents sector is expanding at a compound annual growth rate above 40%.
With businesses increasingly deploying AI agents, attention is shifting to how these systems will transact. Key questions now center on which blockchain networks and stablecoins will be integrated into emerging payment platforms, and how quickly merchants will support them.
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