x402 — An open protocol for internet-native payments
3 hours ago
- #API
- #micropayments
- #blockchain
- x402 is an open protocol for internet-native payments built around the HTTP 402 status code.
- It enables payments via API without registration, emails, OAuth, or complex signatures.
- The protocol has zero fees for both customers and merchants.
- Payments are processed at blockchain speed, with money arriving in wallets in 2 seconds.
- x402 is blockchain-agnostic and not tied to any specific token or blockchain.
- Integration is simple, requiring as little as one line of middleware code.
- No account creation or personal information is required from customers.
- x402 is an open standard, encouraging broad community participation without centralized providers.
- It activates the HTTP 402 status code, working via headers and status codes on existing HTTP servers.
- Enables new monetization models, allowing frictionless revenue from small transactions without ads or subscriptions.
- Agents can pay for API requests in real-time using x402.
- Customers can access storage services without account creation.
- Supports true micropayments for content with instant transactions.
- Example implementation: a single line of code to require USDC payments per request.
- Unpaid requests receive an HTTP 402 response, prompting payment.