WSJ Tech News Briefing · Thursday, September 17, 2026
Mastercard is introducing an agentic payment option for consumers this week, allowing users to set virtual cards with specific restrictions for AI bots. This feature, developed in partnership with startup Alchemy, enables cardholders to authorize transactions based on pre-set parameters or receive notifications before purchases are made.
“Mastercard plans to roll out an agentic payment option for everyday purchases this week.”
“Mastercard is the latest payments giant to strike an AI shopping deal with startup Alchemy, which allows users to issue virtual cards to AI bots with set restrictions.”
“The companies say the cardholder's authorization can take place at different points in the process, such as okaying a transaction based on set parameters in advance, or asking the AI agent to check with them before making a purchase.”