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Visa’s New AI System Lets Bots Shop With Your Credit Card
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Visa has launched Intelligent Commerce, a new system allowing AI agents to shop and pay securely on users’ behalf under preset spending limits.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- AI agents will access Visa’s network under user-defined spending limits.
- Visa partners include OpenAI, Microsoft, IBM, and Stripe.
- AI-ready cards use tokenization to secure digital payment credentials.
Visa announced on Sunday that it will be launching a new initiative called Visa Intelligent Commerce, aiming to make it easier for AI “agents” to shop on behalf of users. These agents will be able to search, select, and pay for goods and services according to users’ preferences and budgets.
“Soon people will have AI agents browse, select, purchase and manage on their behalf,” said Jack Forestell, Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer. “These agents will need to be trusted with payments, not only by users, but by banks and sellers as well.”
To make this possible, Visa has opened up its payments network to developers working with top AI firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Mistral AI, and Perplexity. The program includes pilot projects already underway and is expected to expand in 2026.
The new system will let users set spending limits and personalize recommendations. “The early incarnations of agent-based commerce are doing well on discovery, but struggle with payments,” Forestell added. “That’s why we started working with them.”
Visa’s program introduces AI-ready cards with tokenized credentials, allowing agents to confirm identities and authorize transactions. Developers can access APIs to integrate these tools into their platforms, making it possible for AI to handle tasks like booking flights or ordering groceries automatically.
While AI agents may eventually handle routine shopping, Visa says consumers will retain control. “Each consumer sets the limits, and Visa helps manage the rest,” said Forestell.
With U.S. credit card debt surpassing $1.2 trillion, Visa says its system will ensure user consent and control, easing concerns over spending, as noted by the AP . Visa claims that the goal is to simplify commerce while maintaining trust and security, transforming AI-powered shopping from concept to reality.
Image by Onur Binay, from Unsplash
86% of American War Veterans Use Gaming to Cope With Stress
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Most U.S. veterans say video games help them manage stress, boost emotional health, and stay socially connected during and after military service.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- 81% say games helped them cope with difficult times during and after service.
- 77% use video games to stay socially connected with others.
- Shooters and role-playing games are veterans’ top gaming genres.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) conducted a survey that revealed that video games serve as a stress relief for 86% of American war veterans. The YouGov survey from January 2025 collected data from 1,000 veteran gamers who demonstrated that gaming serves as a tool for managing military and post-military life difficulties.
“Playing video games helped them escape the stressors of military life and relax,” the ESA noted. The research data shows that video games provided relief during difficult periods for 81% of veterans. Additionally, 74% of them believe games have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
dev.ua reports that the average veteran gamer is a 37-year-old man with a college degree, full-time job, a spouse, children, and six years of military experience, including time in combat. Nearly 80% of veterans play with others at least once a week, usually with friends, family, or children.
Games are more than just fun. Veterans say they also help build relationships: 77% say video games help them connect with others, both inside and outside the military. “Video games provide a healthy outlet for stress,” the report highlights.
Popular game genres among veterans include shooters like Call of Duty shooters and role-playing games, sports games such as EA Sports FC, and action-adventure games, including Grand Theft Auto. The majority of players choose console gaming (74%), but PC gaming (63%) and smartphone gaming (62%) are also popular among them.
A current U.S. serviceman, known as “Bear,” shared with dev.ua that video games not only helped him stay sharp but also improved his military skills, as reported by dev.ua. In other words, the study claims that for many veterans, gaming remains more than a hobby—it’s a lifeline.
