American Express unveils AI guardrails for automated shopping

The framework functions by documenting a user's precise requirements—such as product type, merchant preference, and budget—through a Create Intent API. Once a user confirms these details, the system generates a unique Intent ID and a Proof of Intent Token. This token replaces the actual credit card number with a secure digital payment credential, ensuring the agent stays within the bounds of the original request.

Hannah Bozian, Amex’s VP of Agentic Partnerships and Strategy, notes that the system identifies discrepancies early in the transaction flow. For instance, if a user authorizes the purchase of Nike sneakers but an agent attempts to buy Adidas, the system can block the transaction due to the mismatch. While Amex reports no current surge in agent-related disputes, the technology serves as a proactive measure for an expected rise in automated commerce. According to an Amex Trendex report, 66% of U.S. consumers are willing to use AI agents for price research. The company is now discussing the integration of these tools with partners across the payments ecosystem.