The x402 protocol is an open, HTTP-native payment standard for digital resources. Built on the HTTP 402 status code, it was created by Coinbase and is governed by the x402 Foundation. With x402, software can pay for APIs automatically with stablecoins such as USDC.
Source: [Dev.to](https://dev.to/desh_group/x402-protocol-explained-how-ai-agents-pay-for-apis-and-why-it-changes-everything-2hn4)