UCP vs ACP: Which Protocol Matters for Your Store?
Two protocols are shaping AI commerce: UCP for discovery, ACP for transactions. Here's what you need to know.
Two protocols are shaping AI commerce: UCP for discovery, ACP for transactions. Here's what you need to know.
Two new protocols are shaping the future of AI commerce: UCP (Universal Commerce Protocol) and ACP (Agentic Commerce Protocol). Understanding the difference is crucial for preparing your store.
Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)
Led by Google and Shopify, UCP focuses on discovery. It's essentially a machine-readable manifest that tells AI agents what your store can do—what products you sell, how to search your catalog, and what capabilities you offer.
Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP)
Led by OpenAI and Stripe, ACP focuses on transactions. It enables AI agents to actually complete purchases on behalf of users, with proper authentication and payment handling.
Which Should You Implement First?
Start with UCP. Discovery comes before transactions. Once AI agents can find and understand your products, you can layer on ACP for autonomous purchasing.