American Express Unveils Framework for Authenticated AI-Agent Purchases

American Express introduced a framework Tuesday that records and authenticates customer purchase instructions before an AI agent completes a transaction, adding controls for spending limits, merchants and transaction conditions.

The system, called Intent Intelligence, captures merchant information, a maximum amount, an expiration date and other purchase criteria. Customers authenticate their identity and approve the purchase intent before the system creates an Intent ID and a Proof of Intent Token.

The Intent ID identifies the purchase-intent record, while the Proof of Intent Token represents its main constraints. The token can be used to obtain a scoped payment credential without exposing the customer’s card number to the AI agent.

Credentials can be limited by merchant, expiration date and transaction count. They may be configured for a single use or multiple uses across one or more merchants. Intent Intelligence also supports creating, updating or canceling authenticated purchase intent during a transaction’s lifecycle.

The framework is designed to give issuers information to assess authorization and fraud risk before execution and evaluate later disputes against the customer’s authenticated intent. The purchase data may include an order summary, item-level conditions, order context and other criteria.

The specifications are part of American Express’ Agentic Commerce Experiences (ACE) Developer Kit, announced April 14. Account Enablement, Intent Intelligence and Payment Credentials specifications are available, while Agent Registration and Cart Context remain under development.

“AI agents are beginning to reshape how people discover products and services, plan travel and dining, and make purchases,” said Luke Gebb, executive vice president and head of Global Innovation at American Express.

“As commerce becomes more agent-powered, trust becomes the defining factor,” Gebb said.

American Express also plans to offer Amex Agent Purchase Protection for eligible purchases made by registered AI agents when authenticated customer intent is provided. Eligibility, claims and coverage will be subject to additional terms and conditions.

A survey of 2,005 U.S. adults conducted Aug. 10-14, 2026, found that 66% were likely to use AI agents to research the best price for a product or service during the next 12 months. Another 61% were likely to use agents for product or service recommendations.

The survey found that 52% of respondents were comfortable allowing an AI agent to buy everyday, low-cost items. Only 15% were comfortable allowing an agent to purchase high-value goods such as electronics and appliances.