MCPay is a new payment layer for the internet, built for humans and autonomous agents (LLMs, bots, scripts). It enables pay-per-use API access without API keys, OAuth, or subscriptions — using only standard HTTP + crypto payments.
At the heart of MCPay is the long-dormant HTTP 402 Payment Required status code. We bring it to life with x402, a spec that lets servers respond with pricing metadata. When a client (human or AI) gets a 402, they pay in stablecoins (like USDC or EUROe) and instantly retry the request. No account creation. No web forms. No checkout.
Plus MCPs! We are bringing payments rails for MCP servers.
MCPay.fun simplifies and modernizes API monetization by replacing traditional subscriptions with straightforward pay-per-use. It breathes life into the long-dormant HTTP 402 Payment Required status using the emerging x402 protocol, enabling seamless, machine-readable payments—perfect for LLMs, scripts, or any client that can speak HTTP.
Core Philosophy — HTTP 402 for Native Web Payments
- Respond with 402, not OAuth
An API simply replies with HTTP 402 plus pricing details rather than forcing a Stripe checkout or token exchange.
- Instant, on-the-fly settlement
The client pays (typically in a stablecoin such as USDC) and transparently retries the request.
- Optimized for microtransactions & M2M
Zero‐UX, machine-friendly flow lets services bill fractions of a cent without friction.
The x402 Flow (Step-by-Step)
- Client request → API
- API (or MCPay Proxy) replies
402 Payment Required
with { price, currency, destination }
.
js-sdk
intercepts the 402, signs & broadcasts payment (e.g., send 0.01 USDC on Base).
- On-chain confirmation →
js-sdk
retries original request, adding proof (tx hash / signed msg).
- Proxy/API verifies payment → processes request → returns data.
- Usage & revenue events stream to dashboards/analytics (optional).
Partner Tech & Why It Matters
- x402 Protocol – open, vendor-neutral spec for native web payments.
- Layer-2 networks (e.g., Base) – low fees make micropayments practical.
- Stablecoins (USDC) – stable unit of account; shields users from crypto volatility.
- Viem – modern TypeScript EVM library powering wallet & transaction logic in the SDK.
Notable “Hacks”
- Reanimating HTTP 402 – repurposes a forgotten status code to solve API billing elegantly.
- CLI Proxy Adapter – one-command wrapper adds pay-per-use to any API, no code changes.
- Invisible Payment Loop – SDK auto-handles 402 → pay → retry, so devs integrate once and forget.
Architecture Highlights
- Modular monorepo with shared TypeScript types across frontend, backend, and SDK.
- Edge-friendly: the CLI proxy can run at the network edge for minimal latency.
- Developer-centric: straightforward CLI, typed SDK, and real-world examples to copy-paste.