In China, AI computing power is starting to be handed out like loyalty points. According to a Rest of World report, businesses including coffee shops, credit card issuers, and dumpling chains are giving away AI tokens with purchases. The tokens allow customers to access large language models or other AI services without paying separately.
The report describes this as one of several ways computing power is entering daily life in the country. Rather than being sold as a specialised corporate product, AI compute is being folded into routine commerce as a reward, much like airline miles. The approach gives consumers a low-stakes introduction to AI while letting businesses promote adoption.
Because this is a single investigative report, there are no contrasting accounts to compare. The piece highlights the unusual geography of AI distribution: not just through apps or data centers, but through coffee cups, credit card statements, and takeout orders.