Visa and Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK) have completed testing for AI agent payments in Hong Kong.

The trial enabled an AI programme to execute real-world purchases on behalf of a consumer over Visa’s existing network.

Visa processed the transaction through Visa Intelligent Commerce, a framework built to handle automated, consent-driven payments.

Acting on a cardholder’s instructions, the AI agent arranged a business trip by selecting a souvenir and organising airport transport.

The agent presented suitable options and completed the purchases using a BOC Visa credit card.

The system required explicit user consent and verification at every step to maintain issuer control and authentication standards.

“Consumers are moving from discovery to payments through AI agents that understand their preferences and act on their behalf, but greater autonomy only works when trust, security and accountability scale with them,”

said Paulina Leong, General Manager of Visa Hong Kong and Macau.

Dick Ho, General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, stated that innovation in automated payments must advance alongside consumer protection.

“Visa’s solutions provide a framework for exploring the feasibility of agentic payments, focusing on enhancing payment intelligence while ensuring transaction transparency and robust customer protection,”

Ho said.

Retail traffic driven by AI has surged significantly over the past year, indicating a growing consumer acceptance of automated purchasing.

Following this test, Visa intends to work with other major issuers and technology partners in Hong Kong to prepare the local financial sector for wider adoption of AI-driven commerce.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by kues1 via Magnific