Walmart Launches Agent Gateway to Embrace AI Agent Shopping
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On October 22, 2026, TechCrunch reported that Walmart launched Agent Gateway, a server based on the MCP protocol proposed by Anthropic, which allows approved AI agents to search for products and place orders on behalf of users. The feature covers both Walmart and Sam's Club channels, and using the service does not require a Walmart+ membership. A same-day report from The Verge added more details: starting next month, Walmart will allow users to connect their own AI agents to shop on its website, with Sam's Club support as well; users can approve purchases, set spending limits (such as no more than $100), view the agent's orders separately, and disable the feature at any time in Agent Profiles; agents must comply with terms such as not exceeding the shopper's intent and not changing payment methods, and violators will be banned. Both reports noted that this move stands in stark contrast to Amazon's blocking strategy against AI agent shopping: Walmart has chosen to open its interface to agent traffic, while Amazon has taken restrictive measures.
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- TechCrunch · AIWhile Amazon blocks AI agents, Walmart rolls out the welcome mat
Walmart launched Agent Gateway, a server based on Anthropic's MCP, letting approved AI agents search for products and place orders on behalf of users across Walmart and Sam's Club, with no Walmart+ membership required.
- The Verge · AIWalmart is inviting AI agents to shop for you
Starting next month, Walmart will let users connect their own AI agents to shop on its website, with Sam's Club also offering support. Users can approve purchases in Agent Profiles, set spending limits (such as no more than $100), view the agent's orders separately, and turn it off at any time; agents must follow terms such as not exceeding the shopper's intent and not changing payment methods, and violators will be banned.
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