Walmart: AI agents can shop for you, under its rules

While Keeping Customers in Control Oct. 21, 2026

Walmart · source 1

Oct 21, 2026, 7:30 PM UTC

The Verge · source 2

we're introducing Agent Profiles, the Walmart Agent Gateway and terms for AI agents.

Walmart · source 1

Together, these tools will let customers shop with Walmart and Sam's Club through the apps and agents they choose, with clear permissions, controls and protections built in.

Walmart · source 1

But Walmart is opening its doors to AI shoppers - as long as they follow the retailer's rules.

The Verge · source 2

The embrace of AI agents stands in stark contrast to Amazon, which blocked Perplexity's shopping agent and Meta's Muse AI assistant.

The Verge · source 2

Agent Profiles, launching in the next month, will offer a new level of transparency for customers.

Walmart · source 1

Customers will be able to authorize each AI agent with a dedicated profile within the customer's account, so the customers will be able to see the agent's purchases separately from the rest of their purchases.

Walmart · source 1

They can require approval for every purchase or provide permission for the agent to make purchases within a spending limit they set - for example, $50, $100 or $200.

Walmart · source 1

The first time you use an agent to shop through the Walmart Agent Gateway, Walmart will automatically create an Agent Profile for that agent.

Walmart · source 1

You'll authorize and link that Agent Profile to your account by signing into your Walmart account.

Walmart · source 1

Set your controls. Choose a spending limit and see purchases from every agent. Delete an Agent Profile at any time.

Walmart · source 1

we are building the Walmart Agent Gateway which will give agents a faster, more reliable way to shop by using an MCP (model text protocol). We'll begin with a beta for companies and developers.

Walmart · source 1

Today, agents may shop on Walmart's site through a web browser, following steps designed for people. This can be slow and error-prone, and agents may get stuck along the way.

Walmart · source 1

currently available in beta, that connects AI agents through the Model Context Protocol, an open standard that allows AI agents to plug into different services on the web.

The Verge · source 2

Another benefit of the Walmart Agent Gateway will be the ability to help agents shop for a customer's usuals without having to share their personal information or purchase history with the agent.

Walmart · source 1

if a customer tends to buy sourdough bread or a particular brand of milk, Walmart will help the agent find those usual items for the customer without sharing the customer's broader shopping history.

Walmart · source 1

we are also setting clear expectations for how agents must operate, establishing what agents can and cannot do when shopping on behalf of a Walmart customer

Walmart · source 1

Customers are in control, and Walmart's returns process applies - including if an agent doesn't act as intended.

Walmart · source 1

Customers must approve agent purchases by default, and Walmart may require additional approvals even for purchases within an agent's spending limits.

Walmart · source 1

Agents must not take actions beyond what the shopper intends.

Walmart · source 1

Agents don't receive customers' payment-card information and can't add or change a customer's payment methods.

Walmart · source 1

Agents can access only the information needed for the task and allowed by the customer.

Walmart · source 1

Agents that do not follow these terms will be blocked from Walmart's site.

Walmart · source 1

the prices that an AI agent sees are the same prices that a human would see on Walmart.com, with applicable offers and fees shown before purchase.

Walmart · source 1

As customers begin using agents to help them shop, we're building connections, permissions and options that complement those tools and support how customers want to use them.

Walmart · source 1