OpenAI is not just trying to answer your weird 2 a.m. questions anymore, it’s officially eyeing a role as your personal AI-powered shopping assistant. And not just “look at this product” kind of help. We’re talking full-blown checkout inside the chat. Yep, ChatGPT might soon let you browse and buy stuff without ever clicking away. A virtual mall, built into your AI. According to FinTech Global, OpenAI is working on an integrated checkout experience inside ChatGPT that allows users to complete purchases directly within the chat window.
So, what exactly is the plan?
Rather than giving you a product link and sending you off to shop elsewhere, ChatGPT will include a “buy now” or checkout button inside the chat. It keeps the user journey neat, fast, and frictionless. And the kicker? OpenAI gets a cut every time you buy something. This commission model will apply to both free and paid users, as The Financial Times first reported.
Who’s OpenAI teaming up with?
Say hello to Shopify the e-commerce giant that’s already helped TikTok roll out in-app shopping. Now, it’s working behind the scenes to help OpenAI pull off this ChatGPT checkout dream Investing.com confirms it Think; Shopify handles the transaction tech, while ChatGPT does the talking and the upselling.
Why now?
Because OpenAI is making money, yes but not enough. Despite bringing in over $10 billion in annualized revenue, it’s still bleeding cash: losses reportedly hit about $5 billion as of June 2025, according to Reuters. So while ChatGPT is busy helping you draft birthday wishes and meal plans, OpenAI is also making a strategic pivot to monetize everyday interactions.
What will this actually look like?
Right now, it is still in testing. OpenAI has the feature in demo, deciding how merchant listings should appear, and figuring out what percentage to charge sellers. But it’s clear: the days of jumping from chat to browser tab might be numbered. And yes, if this works out, it could totally change how we shop online.
What is at stake?
This isn’t just a side hustle. OpenAI is stepping into the world of “AI Optimization” basically the next SEO. Instead of brands fighting for Google’s top spot, they will be tweaking their content so ChatGPT recommends them in a conversation.
Related: Meta Targets Spam and ‘Unoriginal’ Facebook Content.
It’s a whole new game, and according to Bernstein analysts cited by the FT, it could increase online commerce by 1.5% to 2.5% per year. And if ChatGPT becomes the go-to discovery tool, watch out Amazon and Google this is the kind of disruption that moves billions.
