x402: The Future of Paid APIs and AI Streams
The HTTP 402 status code "Payment Required" has been reserved in the HTTP specification since the 1990s — a forward-thinking placeholder for a future where the web would need native payment capabilities. That future is now.
x402 is the movement to finally bring this dormant HTTP status code to life, enabling seamless micropayments and pay-per-use APIs directly within the HTTP protocol. Instead of relying on subscriptions, API keys, or complex billing systems, x402 allows any HTTP request to be gated behind an instant payment — and the client can automatically pay and retry in a single flow.
Why Does This Matter?
In the age of AI, the traditional subscription model is breaking down. We need a system that adapts to the usage-based nature of LLMs and autonomous agents.
My x402 Project: x402-paywall
I built x402-paywall — a production-ready implementation of HTTP 402 for protecting APIs, AI streaming endpoints, file downloads, and any HTTP resource.
Architecture & Packages
The project is organized as a robust monorepo, designed for modularity and ease of integration.
Live Demo Simulation
Experience the flow of an x402 payment. In a real implementation, this would trigger a Lightning wallet or stablecoin transfer.
Payment Required
≈ $9.45 USD
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x402-paywall
- ✓Production-ready for AI Streaming
- ✓Includes Frontend Widget
- ✓Built for Speed to Market
x402 Protocol
- ✓Standard definition for Internet Payments
- ✓Chain-agnostic (EVM, Solana, etc)
- ✓Infrastructure grade for Wallets