In a move that could change how people shop online, PayPal has announced a partnership with OpenAI to allow users to pay for their shopping directly within ChatGPT. This new collaboration aims to make it easier for people to discover and buy products using artificial intelligence.
The integration will start rolling out in 2026 and could transform how we think about online shopping and payments.
What the Partnership Means
PayPal is teaming up with OpenAI to create a smooth shopping experience inside ChatGPT. Instead of opening a separate app or website to buy something, users will be able to complete their purchase right inside ChatGPT. Imagine chatting with ChatGPT about a product, getting recommendations, and then paying for it instantly without leaving the conversation.
This is possible because PayPal is adopting a system called the Agentic Commerce Protocol, or ACP. It is an open technology that lets merchants connect their online stores to AI tools like ChatGPT. This means products can appear directly in ChatGPT search results when people ask about things to buy, from clothes to electronics.
How It Will Work
When someone finds a product they want to buy in ChatGPT, they will be able to use PayPal’s “Instant Checkout” feature. This tool allows users to confirm their order, shipping details, and payment in just a few taps. They can use their PayPal wallet or link a credit or debit card to make the purchase.
PayPal says this setup will give shoppers the same protections they already enjoy when paying with PayPal. That includes buyer protection, dispute resolution, and order tracking. For sellers, this means they can reach ChatGPT’s massive user base without doing extra technical work. PayPal will manage everything behind the scenes, including routing payments and verifying merchants.
Why This Matters
Shopping using AI tools like ChatGPT is becoming more popular. People are using AI to find products, compare prices, and get suggestions before making a purchase. This partnership makes the process faster and simpler. Instead of jumping between apps, users can go from chatting about what they want to buying it within the same conversation.
PayPal’s CEO Alex Chriss explained that hundreds of millions of people already use PayPal to shop and many millions use ChatGPT each week for everyday tasks. By combining these two services, PayPal wants to make online shopping as easy as sending a message. Chriss said the goal is to let users go from “chat to checkout” quickly and safely.
A Boost for Merchants
This partnership also benefits merchants. PayPal’s merchant network includes tens of millions of small businesses and large brands. In 2026, their product catalogs will become available inside ChatGPT across categories like fashion, beauty, home improvement, and electronics.
The best part is that merchants will not need to build new integrations or make any major changes. PayPal’s system will automatically connect them to ChatGPT’s commerce platform. This could open a new sales channel for many businesses, especially small ones that want more visibility.
Expanding AI and Payment Integration
This is not PayPal’s first step into AI-driven shopping. Earlier in 2025, PayPal worked with Perplexity, an AI search company, to allow checkout inside their platform. It also started adopting Google’s Agent Payments Protocol to connect PayPal products to Google’s AI tools.
The company is also expanding its use of OpenAI’s tools internally. PayPal is giving all its employees access to ChatGPT Enterprise and its engineers access to Codex, OpenAI’s coding assistant. This will help them improve PayPal’s products and innovate faster.
What It Means for the Future
The partnership between PayPal and OpenAI shows how fast AI is shaping the future of online shopping. The idea of “agentic commerce,” where AI helps users find and buy products automatically, is becoming real. Instead of browsing multiple sites or apps, people will simply talk to AI assistants that handle everything from search to payment.
This could change how we think about e-commerce entirely. ChatGPT may soon act like a personal shopper that can not only recommend products but also complete purchases in seconds. For PayPal, this is a big step in staying relevant as technology continues to move toward automation and AI-driven experiences.
The Bottom Line
The partnership between PayPal and OpenAI marks a major milestone for both companies. For users, it means a faster and safer way to shop online using tools they already trust. For merchants, it offers access to millions of potential new customers through ChatGPT’s growing platform.
As AI tools become more powerful, the line between conversation and commerce will continue to blur. Soon, shopping might not require opening a website or an app at all. You will simply ask ChatGPT what you want, get a few suggestions, and complete your purchase with PayPal in just a few clicks.
This is more than just a payment update. It is a glimpse into the future of how we will buy, sell, and interact with technology.
Also Read:OpenAI Launches Apps Inside ChatGPT: Spotify, Expedia, Coursera, and Everything You Need to Know
