JPMorgan, Amazon, Schwab, Kohl’s and Neiman Marcus now block external AI agents like Meta Muse. They cite security risks and control over customer data. Walmart instead allows verified agents to shop on its site. Accenture research shows 71% of customers want AI assistants embedded in their bank’s app. 65% are open to using a GPT-like financial assistant. 82% want to approve every AI action. 79% want the ability to pause or stop AI activity. A Billions Network audit found only 11 of 51 large U.S. retailers have explicit AI agent policies. Five, including Amazon, explicitly restrict them. 37 block agents via older bot rules meant for scrapers. Experts warn blocking agents may not be a winning long-term strategy. They argue that reducing customer friction usually prevails. Visa highlights fraud risks from fake or misbehaving agents. Some fear 'agentic flooding' could overwhelm websites and customer service. Others believe agents will eventually win due to their utility. Banks and retailers are split on whether to resist or adapt to agentic AI.
What changed
Retailers and banks allowed unrestricted third-party access to customer accounts and shopping interfaces.
What it unlocks
Customers can delegate shopping, banking, and administrative tasks to AI agents acting on their behalf.
- 71% of customers welcome AI assistants in banking apps
- 65% open to GPT-like financial assistants
- 82% want to approve every AI action
- 79% want to pause or stop AI activity
What you need to act on it
- customer authorization
- secure authentication and permission verification
- infrastructure capable of handling agent-driven interactions
Sources