OpenAI Develops In-App Checkout System for ChatGPT

OpenAI is developing an integrated payment checkout system within ChatGPT that will allow users to purchase products directly through the chatbot interface. The system marks a strategic shift from the current model, where ChatGPT redirects users to external retailer websites to complete transactions.

Under the proposed model, merchants would pay OpenAI a commission fee for orders fulfilled through the app. This move aims to diversify the company's income beyond its traditional subscription fees. OpenAI has already begun demonstrating early versions of the feature to prospective brands and partners, including the e-commerce platform Shopify, with whom it previously launched an enhanced shopping feature.

The initiative follows a period of significant financial volatility. While OpenAI's annual revenue run rate reached $10 billion as of June 2025, the company reportedly incurred a loss of approximately $5 billion last year. These losses are attributed to heavy investments in AI research and hardware infrastructure.