TLDR
- Coinbase has launched Payments MCP, a new system that enables AI agents to send crypto payments and manage wallets autonomously.
- The Payments MCP system operates through Coinbase’s x402 protocol, enabling AI agents to initiate transactions directly from a prompt.
- AI agents can create wallets, onramp funds, and execute stablecoin payments without requiring developer setup or API keys.
- Coinbase ensures secure transactions by allowing users to set funding limits, approval thresholds, and session caps for AI agents.
- The x402 protocol is designed as an open, internet-native payment standard that supports AI-driven value transfers.
Coinbase has launched Payments MCP, a new system allowing AI agents to send stablecoin payments and hold wallets independently. The system, built on the Model Context Protocol, connects crypto payments directly to AI systems, enabling autonomous value transfers. This new tool integrates with agents like Claude, Codex, Gemini, and Cherry Studio.
Payments MCP Enables Direct AI-to-Crypto Transactions
Payments MCP gives AI agents the ability to transact autonomously using a standardized framework. The protocol works through Coinbase’s x402 standard, which is based on the unused “HTTP 402: Payment Required” code. It enables AI to pay for APIs and services directly through agent interfaces.
Coinbase confirms that agents can create wallets, onramp funds, and execute transactions from a single prompt. The interface requires no API keys or developer setup, making usage simple for anyone. Supported users can create wallets using only an email address.
The platform integrates a built-in wallet system with configurable funding caps and approval thresholds. Coinbase says this ensures spending remains secure and controlled at all times. All transactions run locally for speed and privacy.
Coinbase Launches x402 as an Open Payment Standard
Coinbase built Payments MCP on top of x402, its open payment protocol aimed at internet-native commerce. The company says x402 is designed for programs, not people, making it ideal for AI agents. It supports structured payments without relying on traditional financial systems.
“Crypto is the only open, digital-native standard that any program can use,” said Erik Reppel, Coinbase’s engineering head. He emphasized that current systems remain human-optimized and inefficient for use in programs. According to him, AI agents need smarter, more adaptable systems for secure payment processing.
Coinbase integrates compliance and identity verification at entry and exit points of the system. Reppel explained that this compliance is handled behind the scenes, streamlining the user experience. Coinbase also plans to expand x402 with support from the x402 Foundation and Cloudflare.
Reppel said developers can build rules to govern transactions, such as approving payments above certain thresholds. Coinbase also provides built-in configuration tools for spend limits, wallet separation, and session management. This helps users stay in control while allowing agents to act autonomously.
AI Agents Gain Wallet Access and Payment Power
Through Payments MCP, AI agents can now send and receive funds using stablecoins, such as USDC. Coinbase designed the system to ensure that agents never access a user’s main wallet. Instead, agents operate through sub-wallets with strict funding limits and permissions.
Reppel stated, “An agent can’t rack up a credit card bill you’re responsible for.” Coinbase’s tools let users set per-session caps, maximum transaction amounts, and multi-level approval rules. This structure ensures safe, programmatic value transfers.
Coinbase currently supports Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s Codex, and Cherry Studio within the Payments MCP ecosystem. While ChatGPT is not yet compatible, Coinbase plans to integrate it in the future. The incompatibility stems from current transport methods used by ChatGPT.
Coinbase predicts the future of commerce will involve AI agents managing purchases of compute and services autonomously. Reppel concluded that most users will not notice crypto, but will see stable balances decrease as payments settle instantly.
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