Amex Bets on Agentic Commerce, AI to Drive Growth & Security | PYMNTS.com

American Express is positioning itself to capitalize on the burgeoning field of agentic commerce, a shift in how shopping happens that Chairman and CEO Stephen J. Squeri describes as one of the biggest changes since the advent of eCommerce. The company’s strategy centers on leveraging its existing strengths in service and security to navigate the complexities and risks inherent in this new landscape, where AI agents increasingly handle transactions on behalf of consumers.

Navigating a New Era of Commerce

Agentic commerce, where AI agents autonomously execute purchases, introduces challenges around identity verification, authorization, fraud prevention, and liability. American Express intends to address these concerns by focusing on enabling purchasing power, delivering robust customer service, and ensuring secure transactions for both consumers, and merchants. This isn’t a future scenario. the company is already collaborating with artificial intelligence firms to facilitate AI-assisted transactions and, crucially, to assist develop the standards and protocols that will govern agentic payments.

The company’s commitment extends beyond simply participating in the emerging market. This year, American Express plans to release the American Express Agentic Commerce Experiences (ACE) developer kit. This toolkit is designed to allow partners to seamlessly integrate American Express’s payment capabilities into their agentic experiences. The company aims to empower select AI platforms to access and utilize its membership benefits, such as booking restaurants and hotels, and to introduce new AI-driven features within its own suite of applications. This move signals a proactive approach to shaping the agentic commerce ecosystem, rather than simply reacting to it.

Financial Performance Underpins Investment

This strategic push into agentic commerce comes on the heels of a strong financial performance for American Express. In 2025, the company reported revenues of $72 billion, a 10% increase year-over-year. Spending on American Express cards rose by 7%, and the company added 12.5 million new proprietary cards to its base. These figures demonstrate a healthy financial foundation that allows American Express to invest in future-facing technologies like agentic commerce. The company’s success is too being driven by younger demographics, with Millennials and Gen Z representing approximately 65% of new consumer account acquisitions globally and now contributing the largest share of consumer spending in the U.S.

A Closed-Loop Network as a Competitive Advantage

American Express’s unique position within the payments landscape is a key differentiator. Unlike many newer players entering the agentic commerce space, American Express operates a global closed-loop network. This network directly connects millions of buyers and sellers, providing a comprehensive view of every transaction. This holistic perspective is invaluable in managing the risks associated with agentic commerce and ensuring the integrity of the payment process.

Beyond Payments: Commercial Services Expansion

The focus on agentic commerce isn’t occurring in isolation. American Express is simultaneously bolstering its commercial services offerings. Recent moves include a refresh of the U.S. Business Platinum Card, the acquisition of expense management platform Center, and a roadmap for expanding its B2B (business-to-business) solutions. The acquisition of Center, in particular, strengthens American Express’s position in the small business expense management market. Squeri described the planned expansion of commercial offerings as “the most significant expansion of our commercial portfolio in a single year in our recent history.”

The Importance of Standards and Governance

American Express recognizes that the widespread adoption of agentic commerce hinges on establishing clear standards and governance frameworks. The company believes that secure and seamless interactions are essential for all participants – customers, AI agents, merchants, networks, and platforms. As outlined in a recent publication, open and interoperable standards are crucial for scaled integrations, understanding the context of purchases, data sharing for security, and linking transactions back to the original intent. This emphasis on standards reflects a commitment to responsible AI governance and building trust in the age of agentic commerce.

The Value Proposition: Beyond Basic Functionality

Squeri emphasized that success in agentic commerce will require more than just basic payment processing. “The winners in this new paradigm will go well beyond basic payment functionality by offering differentiated value, service and security,” he wrote in the shareholder letter. This suggests that American Express intends to leverage its brand reputation and existing customer relationships to provide a premium experience within the agentic commerce ecosystem. The company’s focus on service and security, combined with its closed-loop network and commitment to standards, positions it to compete effectively in this rapidly evolving market.

Looking ahead, American Express will continue to refine its agentic commerce strategy, focusing on integrating its payment capabilities, empowering AI platforms, and enhancing its own applications. The company’s financial strength and proactive approach suggest it is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative shift in the way consumers and businesses transact.