EMVCo develops framework for AI agentic payments

EMVCo is developing a technical framework for agentic payments to standardize how information regarding artificial intelligence agents and their delegated authority is communicated during card transactions. The proposed framework aims to include “Intent Services” to convey consumer instructions—such as spending limits, specific product requirements, or budget constraints—that may have been established well before the actual transaction occurs.

While a valid payment credential confirms a method can be used, it does not inherently communicate the specific boundaries of an agent's authority. The framework seeks to provide a common foundation for agent identification and intent signals, though commercial rules and transaction approval decisions will remain with issuers and networks.

In parallel, technical discussions highlight the risks of successful transactions that fail authorization compliance. Even if a transaction executes successfully on a network, it may not match the specific instructions or calldata authorized by the user. Effective verification requires distinguishing between evidence validity, execution outcome, and authorization compliance to ensure an agent has not deviated from its permitted actions.