Fetch.ai Says Its AI Agents Will Overcome Online Retail Barriers Faced by Today’s Tools
Fetch.ai will launch a payment system in January 2026 that enables autonomous AI agents to complete purchases and deposits on users’ behalf. This addresses a major obstacle for agentic AI, as current systems require human approval for transactions due to security and regulatory risks. Hosted on Fetch.ai’s ASI:ONE platform, the new functionality allows AI agents to book services and make payments even when users are offline, using both traditional card payments (Visa and soon Mastercard) and on-chain options like USDC and FET. Security is provided by single-use payment credentials authorized through Visa, avoiding permanent card numbers and direct bank transfers. The platform includes an identity layer, requiring agents to act on behalf of identified users or businesses, in response to retailer concerns about automated shopping bots. Agents maintain persistent identities and operate transparently, with offline agents using a mailbox system to resume actions when online. Despite recent changes in the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, Fetch.ai continues to focus on owner-operated agents, letting users and businesses control their own AI rather than relying on centralized platforms.
