This page explains the role of the wallet in the x402 protocol.

In x402, a wallet is both a payment mechanism and a form of unique identity for buyers and sellers. Wallet addresses are used to send, receive, and verify payments, while also serving as identifiers within the protocol.

Role of the Wallet

For Buyers

Buyers use wallets to:

  • Store USDC
  • Sign payment payloads
  • Authorize onchain payments programmatically

Wallets enable buyers, including AI agents, to transact without account creation or credential management.

For Sellers

Sellers use wallets to:

  • Receive USDC payments
  • Define their payment destination within server configurations

A seller’s wallet address is included in the payment requirements provided to buyers.

CDP’s Wallet API is our recommended option for programmatic payments and secure key management.

Summary

  • Wallets enable programmatic, permissionless payments in x402.
  • Buyers use wallets to pay for services.
  • Sellers use wallets to receive payments.
  • Wallet addresses also act as unique identifiers within the protocol.

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