DBS Bank Trials AI-Powered Payment System Allowing Agents to Make Purchases for Customers

Artificial intelligence is evolving beyond advisory roles to actively participating in financial transactions. DBS Bank has launched a pilot program in collaboration with Visa to test Visa Intelligent Commerce, a framework that empowers AI agents to autonomously make purchases for customers using bank-issued payment credentials.

Introducing Agent-Driven Commerce

This pilot marks a significant shift in how financial institutions approach AI in payments, moving from AI as a productivity tool to an operational participant in transactions. In this model, digital agents can search, select, and purchase products within parameters set by both customers and the bank, such as spending limits and preferred brands.

How the System Works

Visa Intelligent Commerce ensures that the bank remains central to the transaction process. Payment information is securely tokenized, and every transaction undergoes issuer-controlled approval flows designed to verify identity and compliance with preset permissions before money is transferred. This approach balances automation with necessary human oversight to maintain security and customer trust.

Use Cases and Expansion Plans

Currently, the pilot focuses on routine purchases such as food and beverage orders, groceries, subscription renewals, and travel bookings. These transactions allow AI agents to operate within clearly defined rules, minimizing risk while testing user comfort with autonomous financial decisions. DBS and Visa intend to expand the program to broader online shopping and travel services as the pilot progresses.

Opportunities and Challenges for Financial Institutions

Agent-based commerce presents banks with opportunities to strengthen their role in digital payments by controlling consent and security layers. However, it also introduces challenges related to liability and dispute resolution when AI agents make purchases that customers might later question. The success of such systems will depend heavily on robust governance, transparent approval mechanisms, and clear communication with customers.

The Broader Impact of AI in Banking

DBS’s pilot is part of a larger trend of embedding AI deeper into financial workflows beyond advisory and customer service functions. AI is increasingly involved in fraud detection, credit scoring, and now, potentially, payment execution. This evolution reflects growing confidence in AI’s ability to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining security standards.

DBS has invested significantly in digital banking innovations, aiming to leverage AI for streamlined operations and personalized services. Whether AI agents handling payments become mainstream will rely on customer trust and carefully defined operational boundaries. Experts anticipate a phased adoption starting with low-risk, repetitive transactions before extending to more complex financial activities.

(Photo by Patrick Tomasso)

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