OpenAI says Business Agents cannot complete transactions

OpenAI says Businesses in ChatGPT is launching in beta as a way for businesses to connect with ChatGPT’s 1.2 billion weekly users[1]. Business Hub lets businesses claim their listing, manage information and view engagement insights[1]. Eligible businesses in locations where ChatGPT is available can claim through the hub; Enterprise customers and advertisers can also contact their OpenAI representative[1]. Shopify merchants can connect through Business Hub or Shopify admin to streamline verification[1]. Verified businesses can update key details and add self-service product feeds showing pricing and availability[1].

After claiming a business, eligible organizations can build, test and launch a Business Agent[1]. Customers choose whether to start a conversation to explore offerings and ask follow-up questions[1]. OpenAI says agents can explain products and policies and link customers to the business website, but cannot complete purchases, bookings or order checks[2]. Agents are available to eligible ecommerce and online service businesses in the United States[1]. Their conversations are labeled and kept separate from customers’ original ChatGPT conversations and ChatGPT’s independent answers[1].

A claimant must be authorized to represent the business and complete the required verification[2]. OpenAI says Persona identity verification must be approved before a business can publish information changes, view insights or create an eligible Business Agent[2]. Business Hub insights include business mentions and website clicks, but are aggregated and appear only when interaction levels meet certain thresholds[1]. OpenAI says insight topics do not reveal individual prompts or directly measure customer intent[2]. It also says it does not share users’ conversations or Business Agent chats with businesses[1].

OpenAI says claiming a business does not guarantee increased visibility or give the business direct control over ChatGPT’s independent recommendations[2]. Sponsored placements are clearly labeled and separate from ChatGPT responses[1], and advertising does not influence ChatGPT’s independent answers[2]. OpenAI dates the beta announcement November 10, 2026[1]. The company says it plans to expand Businesses in ChatGPT and Business Agents to more markets and business categories over time[1].