Empowering OpenClaw Agents for Seamless Transactions
On April 21, 2026, Alipay launched a groundbreaking AI Pay-powered service that enables OpenClaw-type AI agents to autonomously execute payments based on user instructions. This innovation is a significant advancement in the field of AI-driven financial technology.
In China, these AI agents are affectionately known as 'lobsters'. The new service requires no coding or complex setup, offering multi-layer security safeguards for every transaction. As a result, AI agents can now make purchases with ease and user authorisation.
This new service builds on Alipay AI Pay, an AI-native payment solution that was first introduced in 2025. By February 2026, Alipay AI Pay had reached over 100 million users, becoming the worlds first AI-native payment product to hit this milestone. During the week of February 5-11, 2026, it processed more than 120 million transactions.
Enhancing AI Transaction Capabilities
Alipay AI Pay allows users to activate the service by installing it from the official website and completing identity verification. Users instruct their AI agents with commands such as 'help me renew my membership', then confirm the order and authorise payment via Alipay AI Pay. Modifications or cancellations can be executed with a single command.
Alibaba Cloud’s JVS Claw and DTClaw from Ant Group Digital Technologies have pre-installed the service. It is also available for AI agents like Claude Code and Hermes Agent, enabling widespread adoption.
Security remains integral to this new service. An intelligent risk control system operates 24/7, and Alipay extends its 'Full Compensation' account protection programme to this service, ensuring worry-free transactions. Every payment requires user initiation and verification, enhancing trust and security.
The trend of agentic commerce is gaining traction in China. Alipay AI Pay has expanded its range of use cases. AI agents are now embedded in traditional retailer apps like those of Luckin Coffee, smart glasses such as Rokids, and consumer-facing AI applications like Alibabas Qwen, in addition to OpenClaw-type AI agents.
Alipay has introduced several developer-facing services to support broader AI commercialization. These include Payment MCP Server, which allows developers to integrate payment services into AI agents using natural language, and Payment Integration Skill, facilitating seamless coding for payment functionalities.
Last updated: 22 April 2026, 4:49 am
