Perplexity is currently testing a new internal payment processing system. While most users might not be aware, certain pages on Perplexity now feature product cards. These cards are typically found in the Discover feed and provide a summary of various products available for online purchase. Each product widget includes details such as user reviews and tips, and allows users to easily select the quantity and proceed to checkout via a button that redirects to a third-party payment provider. Typically, it takes just two clicks to complete a purchase.
This new direction is intriguing because Perplexity has traditionally seen its future business model as being more reliant on advertising. However, this approach seems closer to affiliate marketing, where Perplexity could earn a commission for directing users to buy products. Although this feature has been available for a while, recent reverse engineering has revealed that Perplexity is now testing an even deeper integration with this model. Instead of a “Buy Now” button, users may soon see an option labeled “Buy with PPLX,” referring to Perplexity.
When users click this new button, they will be prompted to set up payment details directly within Perplexity’s interface. These details will then be securely stored in the user’s Perplexity profile, allowing future purchases on the platform to be completed with just one or two clicks, without leaving the site. What’s particularly noteworthy is that payments will be made directly to Perplexity, not the merchant. This gives Perplexity greater flexibility in how they handle these funds.
By moving beyond affiliate programs, Perplexity could potentially sell any product online, as long as they can handle the fulfillment. This opens the door to a wide variety of products being sold directly through Perplexity’s payment system. While there’s no indication yet that PPLX refers to any kind of token or credit system, it would be relatively simple for Perplexity to introduce its own currency on the platform in the future. This could incentivize users to make payments directly through Perplexity or encourage them to stay on the platform longer, providing additional opportunities for monetization.
