Walmart to let users connect AI shopping agents with approval controls
Walmart is preparing to open its website to AI shopping agents, letting customers connect an agent that can browse and make purchases on their behalf. The feature is scheduled to launch next month.
The system is designed to keep shoppers in control. Users can review and approve purchases, set spending limits, and retain control over their payment method. Walmart’s guidelines also state that agents must not take actions beyond what the shopper intends or alter how purchases are paid for.
The approach differs from other major retailers. Amazon has blocked shopping agents from Perplexity and Meta’s Muse AI assistant, while Walmart is choosing to accommodate third-party agents under its own rules. The result is a guarded experiment in agentic commerce, with Walmart positioning approval mechanisms and spending controls as safeguards against unauthorized or unintended purchases.