The future of online payments is rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday digital workflows. In a major development, Visa and Stripe-backed Tempo have unveiled new tools designed to enable AI agents to make seamless, secure payments online.
These launches signal a growing shift toward “agentic payments,” where AI systems can independently execute financial transactions while performing tasks such as coding, data retrieval, and service coordination.
Visa Introduces AI Payment Tool Through Crypto Labs
Visa’s crypto division has introduced an experimental product called Visa CLI, a command-line interface that allows AI agents to make same-day payments directly while executing tasks.
Developed by Visa Crypto Labs, the tool is designed to let developers integrate payment functionality into AI workflows without relying on traditional API keys. This is a significant improvement in security, as API keys often contain sensitive data that can be exposed or misused by autonomous systems.
With Visa CLI, AI agents can securely pay for services in real time as they operate, simplifying the process of programmatic transactions. The tool reflects Visa’s broader push into AI-driven finance and its interest in supporting emerging technologies like stablecoins and automated digital commerce.
This move also aligns with a wider industry trend. Companies like Coinbase have already introduced frameworks such as the x402 standard, aimed at enabling AI agents to perform stablecoin payments efficiently.
Stripe-Backed Tempo Launches Blockchain and Machine Payments Protocol
At the same time, Tempo has officially launched its blockchain on mainnet, introducing a payments infrastructure specifically designed for AI-driven transactions.
Backed by Stripe, Tempo focuses on high-throughput stablecoin payments—currently one of the most common financial use cases for AI agents. The platform aims to support systems that can already write code, automate workflows, and interact across the internet but now require the ability to transact financially.
Alongside its blockchain, Tempo unveiled the Machine Payments Protocol, an open standard created in collaboration with Stripe. This protocol enables AI agents and digital services to coordinate payments programmatically across multiple platforms.
The system is designed to be flexible and “rail-agnostic,” meaning it can work across various payment methods. Visa has already extended support through its card network, while Stripe is enabling compatibility with cards, digital wallets, and other payment solutions.
Additionally, crypto fintech Lightspark has integrated the protocol with the Lightning Network, allowing faster Bitcoin-based transactions.
