Stripe taps Basics for AI agent x402 payment protocol

Stripe has launched a new payment system designed for artificial intelligence agents, allowing them to automatically pay for digital services using cryptocurrency.

Stripe product manager Jeff Weinstein revealed the feature on February 11 and 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) stable coins. Developers can charge agents for services such as 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 primarily for humans and are not well suited to automated software. AI agents, he noted, need fast, cheap, and always-available payment rails that can operate without human supervision.

Under the new system, companies create a standard Stripe Payment Intent. Stripe assigns a unique wallet address to each transaction. When the AI ​​agent sends money to that address, the payment can be tracked in real time through the Stripe dashboard, via webhooks, or by using the API.

Once the transaction is confirmed, the funds will be deposited into the merchant’s Stripe balance, just like with 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 status code ‘402 Payment Required’. When an agent tries to access a paid service, he receives a payment request. After sending $USDC on Base access is automatically granted.

Because Base offers fast settlement and low costs, payments can be completed within seconds. This makes the setup suitable for frequent, low-value transactions, such as pay per request or per minute of use.

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,” in which software programs operate independently and manage their own finances. These agents are expected to purchase data, computing resources and digital services without human consent.

The company said more protocols, currencies and blockchain networks will be added in the future. For the time being, the support is aimed at: $USDC on Base, which offers stability and predictable pricing.

Industry observers see this move as another sign that AI, fintech and crypto are becoming increasingly interconnected. Instead of relying on monthly subscriptions or prepaid credits, services can now be priced per action, per second or per request.