Mastercard launches automatic payment system for AI agents

Mastercard has opened early access to the Agent Pay for Machines system, allowing AI agents to independently pay for services.

Automated payments for APIs, data, and computing resources operate through Coinbase's open x402 protocol.

The payment process involves a resource request, receiving an HTTP 402 code, and sending a signed voucher. Access is granted automatically upon meeting the owner's limits.

During the Cloudflare demo, an agent made nine micro-payments to providers to prepare a marketing campaign within a single budget.

The project unites over 30 partners, including Coinbase, Cloudflare, Stripe, and Solana Foundation, focusing on mass micropayments.

• Payment by card or account
• Use of stablecoins
• Integration with external services