OpenAI unveils prototype of integrated payment system for ChatGPT According to financial media reports, OpenAI has initiated development of an in-app payment solution that will be natively embedded within the ChatGPT interface. This innovative feature will enable users to discover products through conversational interactions and complete purchases without exiting the chat environment. The Financial Times revealed in recent coverage that the technology is currently in early testing phases, with OpenAI collaborating with Shopify to showcase initial prototypes to select brand partners. The new commerce platform aims to transform user experience by eliminating the need to navigate external websites during shopping sessions. While ChatGPT currently provides product recommendations through web search data, the upcoming checkout functionality will handle the entire transaction lifecycle within the chat window. As a monetization strategy, the AI leader plans to generate revenue through transaction commissions. Microsoft-backed OpenAI is expected to implement this payment architecture alongside its existing subscription model. Under this strategic partnership, Shopify will supply essential backend infrastructure for online retail operations. The e-commerce giant's proven capabilities in TikTok commerce integration will be adapted for ChatGPT's conversational framework. Negotiations are ongoing with brand partners to finalize commission structures before pilot launches. Reports confirm the checkout system remains in experimental stages with limited deployment. This initiative aligns with OpenAI's broader monetization strategy beyond traditional subscriptions. Financial disclosures show the company achieved $10 billion in annualized revenue as of June 2025 (up from $5.5 billion in December 2024), despite reporting $5 billion net losses in the previous fiscal year. Industry analysts project revenue could reach $125 billion by 2029 following a recent $40 billion funding round that valued the company at $300 billion. Beyond transaction fees, direct commerce integration opens new advertising revenue opportunities. Marketing experts observe brands are already optimizing product metadata to increase visibility in ChatGPT responses, creating a new "AIO" (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) strategy. This emerging trend could disrupt digital marketing paradigms and challenge Google's longstanding dominance in search advertising. Notably, OpenAI has recently launched a credit-based pricing model for its enterprise edition. The company is shifting away from fixed monthly/annual subscriptions toward a token-based access system for premium features and tools. This transformation comes as early signs indicate significant revenue diversification across multiple monetization channels.