Visa, Mastercard and Ripple back x402 as agent payments average 32 cents
CoinDesk 2026-07-15 06:05:24
Context: The Linux Foundation has launched the x402 Foundation, a new standard for internet-native payments between software agents, backed by major card networks and tech firms. The x402 protocol enables clients to pay servers directly with small stablecoin transfers, typically USDC, without accounts or prior relationships. This development aims to facilitate machine-to-machine commerce, allowing autonomous agents to make payments without human involvement.
Key Facts
- The x402 Foundation has 40 members, including premier members such as Ripple, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Stripe, Adyen, Fiserv, Shopify, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Cloudflare.
- The x402 protocol has processed about 75 million transactions totaling $24 million over the past 30 days, with an average payment of approximately 32 cents.
- The protocol utilizes the long-reserved HTTP 402 “Payment Required” code to let clients pay servers directly with small stablecoin transfers, usually USDC.
- Coinbase contributed the protocol, which was completed in May 2025, and the x402 Foundation is now operating under formal governance.
- Google has integrated x402 into its own agent payments protocol, and Cloudflare ships it in its agent toolkit, enabling autonomous agents to make payments without opening a bank account or passing a credit check.