Mastercard and Microsoft Unveil AI Shopping Assistant

Mastercard has announced a new artificial intelligence tool aimed at streamlining the online shopping experience. In collaboration with Microsoft and other partners, the company has introduced an AI-powered agent that can search for products, recommend payment options, and assist users through the purchasing process.

Integrated into Microsoft’s Copilot assistant, the system allows users to make specific requests—such as finding yellow running shoes in a certain size. The AI then scans various platforms to present relevant results and suggests the most suitable payment method based on user preferences and purchase history.

Importantly, the final decision to buy remains in the hands of the consumer. The tool does not complete transactions automatically without user approval. According to Mastercard, this launch marks the initial phase of a broader initiative to align the payments ecosystem with the AI era.

In addition to the consumer-focused product, Mastercard is also working with IBM to adapt the technology for business-to-business applications. The B2B solution is expected to enhance procurement processes and streamline corporate purchasing decisions.

A key component of the project is user safety. Mastercard plans to introduce a mechanism that distinguishes between trustworthy digital agents and potentially harmful ones to ensure consumer protection.

Developers emphasize that the AI tool significantly reduces the time and effort needed to find products online, offering a more efficient and personalized shopping experience. The system is currently in pilot stages and will be rolled out across select partner platforms in the coming months.