Your shopping cart just got an AI upgrade—and Walmart is leading the charge

The days of scrolling through endless product pages and juggling multiple browser tabs while shopping online may finally be numbered. This month, two major developments are reshaping how Americans shop: OpenAI announced Instant Checkout, a new feature that allows users to buy products through its artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, and Walmart has partnered with the tech giant to bring this revolutionary shopping experience directly to your conversations.

For many of us who remember when "online shopping" meant calling from a catalog, this latest leap might seem overwhelming.

But here's the thing—it could actually make shopping simpler, not more complicated.

How does shopping with AI actually work?

Think of it as having a knowledgeable friend who never gets tired of helping you find exactly what you need.

You simply enter a shopping-related query like, "Find me the best espresso machine for under $400 that makes coffee like they have in Italy," and see what suggestions it brings up.

The process is surprisingly straightforward.

Product suggestions appear as a gallery that can be scrolled sideways.

Tapping on a product opens a detailed pop-up window with information and a "buy" button.

No more opening new tabs or losing track of what you were looking for.

What makes this different from regular online shopping is the conversational aspect.

Instead of guessing the right search terms, you can describe what you need in plain English.

Looking for "comfortable walking shoes for someone with arthritis" or "a gift for my neighbor who loves gardening"—the AI understands context in ways that traditional search engines struggle with.

Also read: 14 stylish Walmart fashion picks to refresh your fall wardrobe on a budget

Walmart's smart shopping assistant enters the picture

Walmart isn't just jumping on the ChatGPT bandwagon—they've been developing their own AI shopping assistant called Sparky.

The partnership with OpenAI represents a major step in what Walmart calls "agentic commerce," where AI anticipates your needs rather than just responding to them.

Through this collaboration, Walmart customers and Sam's Club members can now plan meals, restock essentials, or discover new products simply by chatting.

The system learns from your preferences and shopping patterns, suggesting when to reorder medications or reminding you of seasonal items you bought last year.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon notes that this shift has been a long time coming, as traditional e-commerce search tools that rely on keywords are becoming outdated.

Also read: The $120 Walmart surcharge shocking shoppers at checkout

What about your privacy and security?

This is likely your first question—and rightfully so.

Merchants pay a small fee on completed purchases, but the service is free for users, doesn’t affect prices, and doesn’t influence ChatGPT’s product results.

Product results are organic and unsponsored, ranked purely on relevance.

The technology uses established payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Stripe—or users can enter credit card information directly.

If you’re already a ChatGPT subscriber, it can use the same payment method you’ve set up in your account.

Also read:Walmart implements surprise restrictions on beauty products, leaving sellers scrambling

How does this compare to Amazon's approach?

Amazon has also entered the AI shopping space with its "Buy for Me" feature, but the approach differs.

While ChatGPT shopping focuses on conversational discovery and direct purchasing, Amazon’s version helps customers buy products from outside retailers without leaving Amazon’s ecosystem.

The key difference is philosophy: ChatGPT aims to be a neutral shopping assistant that works across multiple retailers, while Amazon’s feature keeps users within its marketplace.

Also read: Safety alert: Major products sold at Walmart recalled over deadly hazards

Should you try this new shopping method?

ChatGPT surpassed 700 million weekly active users in August, with more than one billion web searches conducted last week alone.

These numbers suggest that people are already comfortable using AI for information—shopping is simply the next logical step.

Currently, Instant Checkout supports single-item purchases and is available to US ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Free users.

The service launched with Etsy sellers, and more than one million Shopify merchants—including Skims and Glossier—are coming soon.

Also read: This pesky workplace habit has Walmart bosses taking action—staff are being warned

Practical tips for getting started

If you’re curious about trying AI shopping, start small:

• Begin with simple, low-cost purchases to get used to the process.

• Ask specific questions—"waterproof walking shoes for wet weather" works better than "good shoes."

• Don’t feel pressured to buy right away—you can always ask for more details or comparisons.

• Remember, there’s no charge to consumers; OpenAI earns a small portion from merchants.

• Keep your usual shopping methods for larger or important purchases until you’re fully comfortable.

This technology is designed to complement, not replace, traditional shopping methods.

You can still visit stores, call customer service, or browse websites the old-fashioned way.

Also read:Walmart has a budget-friendly meal solution that is cheaper than fast food

What's coming next

According to OpenAI, multi-item carts and expanded regional access are next.

This means the current single-item limitation will soon give way to a more practical, household-friendly shopping experience.

The Walmart and OpenAI partnership signals a broader shift in retail.

As more major companies adopt AI shopping tools, expect the technology to become more advanced—and easier to use.

The goal is to reduce friction in the shopping process, not add to it.

Read next:

• Walmart employee stunned by overnight 100% price jump on popular seafood item
• Want to shop smarter at Walmart? Here’s when employees say you should go
• A surprise charge at Walmart? Here’s what happened—and how to protect your wallet

Key Takeaways

• OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout feature lets users buy products directly through ChatGPT, simplifying online shopping into a conversational experience.
• Walmart has partnered with OpenAI to integrate this technology, allowing customers to chat, plan purchases, and even restock essentials using AI assistance.
• The system uses secure payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Stripe, with no added costs or sponsored search results for consumers.
• Instant Checkout currently supports single-item purchases, but OpenAI plans to expand it to multi-item carts, more merchants, and additional regions soon.

What's your take on AI-powered shopping? Are you curious to try it, or do you prefer sticking with traditional methods? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your experiences with new shopping technologies.