Visa prepares payment systems for AI agent-initiated transactions

Payments rely on a simple model: a person decides to buy something, and a bank or card network processes the transaction. That model is starting to change as Visa tests how AI agents can initiate payments. New work in the banking sector suggests that, in some cases, software agents may soon take on that role.

A recent example comes from Visa, which is rolling out its “Agentic Ready” programme in Europe to test how financial systems handle AI-initiated transactions. The effort involves collaboration with banks, including Commerzbank and DZ Bank. The aim is to prepare existing payment infrastructure for a scenario where software agents can search for products and make decisions, then complete purchases on behalf of users.

According to information published by Visa and reported by The Paypers, the programme focuses on enabling secure transactions where AI systems act as the initiating party. Instead of a customer confirming a purchase, an AI agent could carry out the task after being given a goal or set of rules.

How transactions begin

Payment systems are built around human identity and intent. A card transaction today depends on verifying that a person has authorised a purchase. If AI agents begin to initiate transactions, banks will need n...