OpenAI is developing a payment checkout system for ChatGPT that would allow users to make purchases directly through the chatbot, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing multiple people familiar with the proposals.
The system would allow merchants that fulfill orders through the platform to pay a commission to OpenAI. The feature is still in development, but OpenAI and e-commerce partner Shopify have already begun showing early versions of the system to brands and discussing financial terms, the report said.
The new checkout function would create an additional revenue stream for OpenAI beyond its existing subscription model, using the platform’s high user traffic to generate sales commissions.
OpenAI currently shows suggested products in ChatGPT with links that direct users to outside retail websites. The company launched a shopping feature earlier this year designed to better present products and reviews inside the chatbot.
Shopify and OpenAI announced a partnership earlier this year. The Financial Times said Shopify did not respond to a request for comment, while OpenAI declined to comment.
OpenAI said in June that its annualized revenue run rate reached $10 billion, up from $5.5 billion in December 2024. The company posted a loss of about $5 billion last year.
