# What is an AI agent? A plain-language guide

An AI agent is software that takes a goal, picks its own next steps, and uses tools to act for you. What agents can do, how they differ from a chatbot, and the five limits to set before you let one act.

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## Steps

1. **Start read-only.** Let the agent look before it can change anything: read mail, read files, search. Add write access one tool at a time. See [connect only what you need](https://agentlane.net/guides/connect-only-what-you-need/).
2. **Approve anything that leaves the building.** Sending email, posting, buying, and deleting should wait for your yes. See [review before place](https://agentlane.net/guides/review-before-place/).
3. **Give it its own accounts.** A separate inbox, a separate browser profile, and never your main card. See [separate browser profile for your agent](https://agentlane.net/guides/separate-browser-profile-for-agent/).
4. **Cap the money.** If it must pay, use a virtual card or small wallet with a hard limit. See [AI agent spending limits](https://agentlane.net/guides/agent-spend-caps/).
5. **Write a stop rule.** Every recurring job gets an end date, a spending limit, and a “stop and ask me” rule. Revoke access you no longer use: [revoke connectors when idle](https://agentlane.net/guides/revoke-connectors-when-idle/).

## FAQ

### What is an AI agent in simple terms?

Software you give a goal to. It picks the steps and uses tools such as a browser, email, or a payment method to get the job done, instead of only answering a question.

### Is ChatGPT, Claude, or Grok an AI agent?

The chat apps start as assistants that answer. They act as agents when you turn on tools that let them browse, use connected apps, run code, or send messages, and let them take several steps on their own.

### Are AI agents safe to use?

They are as safe as the access you give them. Start read-only, approve every send or purchase, give the agent its own inbox and a capped card, and write a stop rule for every recurring job.

### Can an AI agent spend my money?

Only if you connect a way to pay: a card, a wallet, a saved account, or a broker connector. Use a separate card or wallet with a hard limit, never your main card.

### What is an AI agent harness?

The software wrapped around the AI model that gives it tools, memory, instructions, and rules. It decides what the agent can reach.

### Do I need to code to use an AI agent?

No. Many agents run inside apps you already use and are set up with plain-language instructions and on/off switches for each tool.

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