AI tools are getting smarter every day. They don’t just answer questions or write stories anymore. Soon, you might be buying things directly from them. ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot from OpenAI, is reportedly making a big move into online shopping.
The buzz is that OpenAI plans to add a checkout system right inside ChatGPT. This means you could pay for items the AI recommends without leaving your chat window. It’s like having a super smart shopping assistant that helps you find something and then lets you buy it right away.
This isn’t just about making shopping easier for users. OpenAI wants to earn money from these sales. They plan to get a small commission when the AI helps a user buy a product. This new way of making money is super important for the company. Last year, OpenAI lost about $5 billion.
ChatGPT gets an incredible number of users each month, over 5.24 billion uses. That’s a huge potential audience for direct shopping. While OpenAI already earns money from its subscription plans, getting a cut from product sales could really boost their income. They are looking for new ways to keep their business strong.
Right now, if ChatGPT suggests a product, it gives you a link. You click that link, and it takes you to an outside website to complete your purchase. The new system aims to change that. You’ll be able to pay directly inside ChatGPT, making the whole process much faster and more seamless.
OpenAI is working with Shopify, a well-known company that helps businesses set up online stores. They have already started showing early versions of this payment system to various brands. While neither OpenAI nor Shopify has commented on these plans, the Financial Times reported on this development on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
These two companies actually teamed up earlier this year. Their goal was to improve how AI helps people shop online, making product displays and reviews better. This new payment system seems like the next logical step in that partnership. It’s a clear effort to turn casual conversations into direct sales opportunities.
OpenAI’s yearly revenue has been growing fast. It hit $10 billion in June, up from $5.5 billion in December 2024. Despite this growth, the significant losses from last year show the need for more diverse income streams. This move into direct commerce could be a big step toward a more stable financial future for the AI giant.