Coinbase has launched Payments MCP, a new system built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) that connects artificial intelligence directly to cryptocurrency payments. The platform allows AI agents to hold wallets, send stablecoin payments, and interact with online services, effectively enabling machines to transact autonomously.

The rollout of Payments MCP integrates AI with on-chain value transfer at scale, using a standardized protocol to facilitate seamless, automated payments.

Built on x402, Coinbase’s open payment standard inspired by the long-unused “HTTP 402: Payment Required” code, the system supports AI models including Anthropic’s Claude (Desktop and Code), Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s Codex, and Cherry Studio. Through these integrations, AI agents can create wallets, onramp funds, and execute stablecoin payments directly from a text prompt.