Stripe has launched a new payment system designed for artificial intelligence agents, allowing them to pay for digital services automatically using cryptocurrency.
Summary
- Stripe launched x402 payments to enable AI agents to make automated USDC transactions on Base.
- The system supports fast, low-cost micropayments for APIs, data, and compute services.
- The move shows the growing convergence between AI, fintech, and blockchain infrastructure.
Stripe product manager Jeff Weinstein revealed the feature on Feb. 11 and it is currently in preview. The update adds support for Base, an Ethereum-based blockchain network, for the x402 payment protocol.
Through this system, AI agents can quickly and easily make small payments using USD Coin (USDC) stablecoins. Developers can charge agents for services like data access, processing power, and API calls using Stripe’s built-in tools, eliminating the need for manual billing or traditional subscriptions.
Built for machine-to-machine payments
Weinstein said current payment systems are designed mainly for humans and are not well-suited for automated software. AI agents, he noted, need fast, low-cost, and always-available payment rails that can work without human supervision.
Under the new system, businesses create a standard Stripe Payment Intent. Stripe assigns a one-of-a-kind wallet address to every transaction. When the AI agent sends funds to that address, the payment can be monitored in real time through the Stripe dashboard, via webhooks, or by using the API.
Once the transaction is confirmed, the funds are deposited into the merchant’s Stripe balance, just like any standard payment. Stripe’s current infrastructure also manages tax reporting, refunds, and compliance tools.
The system relies on x402, an open protocol that revives the old HTTP “402 Payment Required” status code. When an agent tries to access a paid service, it receives a payment request. After sending USDC on Base, access is automatically granted.
Because Base offers fast settlement and low fees, payments can be completed in a matter of seconds. This makes the setup suitable for frequent, low-value transactions, such as paying per request or per minute of usage.
Stripe has also released an open-source command-line tool called “purl,” along with sample code in Python and Node.js, to help developers test machine payments.
Expanding the agent economy
The launch reflects Stripe’s growing focus on what it calls the “agent economy,” where software programs operate independently and manage their own finances. These agents are expected to buy data, computing resources, and digital services without human approval.
The company said more protocols, currencies, and blockchain networks will be added in the future. For now, support is focused on USDC on Base, which provides stability and predictable pricing.
Industry observers see the move as another sign that AI, fintech, and crypto are becoming more closely connected. Instead of relying on monthly plans or prepaid credits, services can now be priced per action, per second, or per request.
