What is Agentic Token?
A tokenised payment credential issued by a card network (e.g. Mastercard Agent Pay) that is scoped to a specific AI agent, enabling traceable, governed transactions without exposing raw card numbers.
WHY IT MATTERS
Agentic tokens are the card-network equivalent of scoped API keys. Each token is tied to a specific agent identity, with built-in spending limits and usage constraints. The raw card number never reaches the agent.
This is how traditional payment rails are adapting to agent-initiated transactions — by creating credentials that are purpose-built for autonomous systems with governance baked in.
HOW POLICYLAYER USES THIS
PolicyLayer provides the governance layer that complements agentic tokens — while the token scopes what card an agent can use, PolicyLayer's policies scope what the agent can buy and how much it can spend.