Full Breakdown
Visa and Mastercard Expand Agentic AI Deployments
4/3/2026, 10:01:33 AM
Introduction to Agentic AI in Payments
Visa and Mastercard have recently launched new products utilizing agentic artificial intelligence (AI), a technology designed to perform tasks with minimal human oversight. These developments aim to enhance payment processes and dispute resolution, signaling a significant shift in the payments industry towards automation and AI integration.
Key Developments by Visa
Visa has introduced several initiatives focused on improving payment dispute management and corporate bill payments. The company unveiled new resolution tools to address the growing issue of payment disputes, which saw over 106 million cases processed globally in 2025, a 35% increase since 2019. Andrew Torre, president of value-added services at Visa, emphasized that disputes create strain across the payments ecosystem, necessitating more efficient solutions. The new tools will automate responses to dispute questionnaires and provide a centralized platform for managing disputes across various card networks.
In partnership with fintech Ramp, Visa is also launching a platform that integrates corporate expense management and payment processes. This initiative aims to enhance payment flexibility and control for corporate clients, leveraging Visa's "trusted agent protocol" to vet AI agents involved in transactions.
Mastercard's Agentic Commerce Initiatives
Mastercard has made strides in agentic commerce by executing its first agentic payment in Hong Kong, which involved booking and paying for a ride share through an AI agent. This transaction utilized Mastercard's protocol with HSBC as the partner bank, highlighting the company's commitment to creating seamless payment experiences. Janet Pang, head of retail business at HSBC, noted that this initiative is built on principles of consent, transparency, and robust safeguards.
Mastercard's agentic AI protocol, launched in late 2025, has already been implemented in several markets, including Australia, the U.S., and India, as part of its broader strategy to enhance agentic commerce capabilities.
Demand for AI in Commerce
Research conducted by Visa in collaboration with Morning Consult indicates a strong demand for AI participation in commerce. The findings reveal that nearly 40% of Americans have made purchases influenced by AI agents, and 53% of U.S. businesses are open to allowing AI agents to negotiate terms on their behalf. This growing acceptance of AI in financial transactions suggests that agentic commerce is poised for significant expansion.
Criticism and Competition
Despite the advancements made by Visa and Mastercard, there are concerns regarding the appeal of integrated AI solutions compared to independent AI agents. Aaron McPherson, principal at AFM Consulting, pointed out that independent agents may offer a more focused and user-friendly experience than incumbent firms, which must balance traditional services with new AI capabilities.
Conclusion
The recent initiatives by Visa and Mastercard to deploy agentic AI reflect a transformative moment in the payments industry, with potential implications for how transactions are conducted. As these technologies mature, they may reshape consumer experiences and operational efficiencies in financial services. The competition between integrated solutions and independent AI agents will likely influence the future landscape of agentic commerce.
