Mastercard says AI agents could handle regular online purchases by 2030

Nicosia, Cyprus. More than one in 10 consumers could be regularly using AI agents to shop and make purchases online on their behalf by 2030, according to a new Mastercard report on the future of shopping and payments.

The report said AI agents could increasingly manage routine purchases, potentially including negotiating prices for consumers.

Report findings

Mastercard’s report, titled “A Short History of the Future of Shopping and Payments”, combines the company’s research with forecasts from four international experts on the future of artificial intelligence and commerce.

The experts are Magnus Lindkvist, Patrick Dixon, Katja Forbes and Theodora Lau. The report examines how artificial intelligence could reshape shopping and payments by the end of the decade.

Everyday and repetitive purchases, including groceries, medicines and subscription services, are likely to be among the first transactions consumers delegate to AI agents, the report said.

Changing shopping experience

“By 2030, buying a product and the shopping experience will not necessarily be the same thing,” Lindkvist said.

“AI agents will take care of the most everyday purchases, leaving the shopping experience to be more closely associated with discovery, inspiration and enjoyment,” he added.

Mastercard said smart devices, including watches and rings, are also expected to provide consumers with personalised product information before and after purchases, while AI could take on a more active role inside physical shops.

Use among younger consumers

Mastercard said the shift towards AI-assisted shopping is already visible among younger consumers.

Its recent international research covered 26,000 parents and teenagers aged 13 to 18 across 13 countries and found that teenagers were using artificial intelligence in purchasing decisions at roughly twice the rate of their parents.