Walmart opens its site to approved AI shopping agents with spending limits
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TechCrunchXWalmart lets AI agents make purchases for customers with spending controlsAIWalmart introduces technology that lets AI agents buy items on customers' behalf, with controls over spending and transaction approvals. The move contrasts with Amazon, which blocks AI agents from shopping on its site.
- The Verge · AINewsWalmart will let outside AI agents shop on its site under set rules
AIWalmart says that next month shoppers can connect their own AI agents to its website, with approval requirements and spending limits. Agents must act only within the shopper's intent, cannot change payment methods, and will be blocked if they break these terms. Walmart's Agent Gateway uses the Model Context Protocol and withholds the shopper's broader purchase history. The company says Sam's Club will also support AI agent shopping.
- TechCrunch · AINewsPickWalmart launches Agent Gateway and agent purchase controls as Amazon blocks AI agents
AIWalmart announced Agent Gateway, an MCP server that lets approved AI agents search its inventory and make purchases for users. The company also plans Agent Profiles next month, letting customers approve each agent's transactions or set spending limits, and says agents that break its terms will be blocked.