Stripe Lets AI Agents Pay Through Link

Stripe has updated its Link digital wallet to support autonomous AI agents, allowing them to take part in online payments under user control. The move brings agents closer to participating in the internet economy, where they can already perform complex tasks but have struggled with real-world payments.

The new feature lets users grant agents limited programmatic access to their Link wallet. Once authorized, an agent can request a payment and receive either a single-use virtual card or a Shared Payment Token. Both are backed by the user’s existing payment methods, without exposing sensitive credentials.

Every transaction requires user approval. The user reviews the request details and decides whether to approve the payment through the web or the Link mobile app. Stripe plans to expand this model with more flexible options, such as spending limits or conditions that allow agents to act without constant approval.

The system is built on Stripe Issuing, giving developers ready-to-use infrastructure for building agent-based payment flows without creating their own financial systems. It also enables automation of payments across business tools, fintech products, and marketplaces.