Stripe to Enable USDC Payments via x402 on Base Blockchain

Stripe's new x402 integration lets developers bill AI agents in USDC on Base, while its planned Tempo blockchain aims to power global stablecoin payments by 2026.

USDC

Summary

On Feb. 11, Stripe announced support for USDC payments on the Base blockchain via its x402 protocol, enabling developers to charge AI agents using the PaymentIntents API. The company also revealed Tempo, a forthcoming Layer 1 blockchain designed for global stablecoin transactions, backed by a $500 million Series A funding round and a $5 billion valuation. Tempo is targeted for mainnet launch in 2026, furthering Stripe's expansion into crypto-powered payment infrastructure.

Terms & Concepts
  • USDC Stablecoin: A U.S. dollar-pegged cryptocurrency issued by Circle, designed to maintain a stable value.
  • Base Blockchain: A Layer 2 network developed by Coinbase, built on Ethereum for faster and cheaper transactions.
  • x402: A Stripe payment system intended to enable cryptocurrency transactions across multiple networks and methods.