Mastercard is integrating agentic AI into its payments infrastructure as younger users demand streamlined transactions.  

“Today’s consumers expect personalized seamless financial experiences — particularly digitally-native generations, like Gen Z, that are now dominating the workforce and financial mainstream with increasing influence,” Seema Chibber, executive vice president for core payments at Mastercard North America, told Bank Automation News.  

In fact, Gen Zers are two times more likely to prioritize a seamless online purchase journey compared to baby boomers, according to “The common good: Creating an ecosystem of transactional trust” report published by Mastercard in April. The survey, by market research agency Vanson Bourne, totaled 5,210 quantitative interviews in November and December 2024. 

(Bank Automation News)

“Gen Z prefers using new and innovative methods of payment,” Chibber told BAN. “That’s why it’s imperative to meet them where they are.” 

To keep up with seamless payments demand, Mastercard rolled out Agent Pay in April, she said.  

The agentic payments tool uses AI agents within the commerce space, according to Mastercard’s April 29 release. Agent Pay integrates with gen AI to help consumers plan purchases based on specific events and consumer preferences. 

“Say a recent grad is hosting a party at her parents’ house,” Chibber said. “She can now use an AI assistant to plan the event. It can suggest food and decorations tailored to her style, preferences and even the weather. Based on her feedback, the intelligent agent can make the purchase and recommend the best way to pay.”  

As Mastercard continues to develop Agent Pay, it plans to work with Microsoft and IBM for new use cases, according to the release.