Google’s New Protocol Lets AI Agents Pay for You

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What makes it noteworthy is not just the technology, but the powerful coalition backing it—over 60 financial institutions and tech leaders are already on board.

How it works


At its core, AP2 relies on “mandates,” digital contracts that confirm a user’s consent before any money changes hands. 

Transactions are structured in two steps: users sign an Intent Mandate when initiating a purchase process (for example, when searching or browsing options) and a Cart Mandate when they’re ready to confirm the payment. This ensures dual authorization, preventing AI agents from going rogue with user funds.

The system is designed to accommodate multiple payment methods. Traditional card networks and bank transfers are supported, and AP2 also opens the door for digital assets—thanks to collaborations with Coinbase and other crypto players, stablecoins are part of the framework.

Some of the most influential names in finance and tech are lining up behind Google’s blueprint. American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, Salesforce, and Intuit are among the early backers. To encourage adoption, the technical specifications have been made openly available on GitHub.

Why it matters


AI-powered agents are moving closer to becoming everyday “autonomous shoppers.” But for users to trust them with money, robust safeguards are essential. AP2 addresses that gap, establishing accountability and verifiability at each step. With so many major companies involved from day one, the framework has a strong chance of becoming the standard way AI tools handle payments.