Coinbase Joins Linux Foundation to Launch x402 Payments Standard

Coinbase has partnered with the Linux Foundation to launch the x402 Foundation, aimed at developing an open payments standard for the web.

The x402 protocol, originally created by Coinbase in 2025, repurposes the HTTP 402 "Payment Required" status code to allow websites and APIs to request payments during normal web traffic.

This innovation enables AI agents to perform transactions without user confirmation, supporting agentic commerce.

Major tech firms like Google, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard, Shopify, Cloudflare, and Solana are backing the initiative.

The x402 Foundation will manage the protocol under open governance, ensuring interoperability and broad participation across the ecosystem.

Leaders from Coinbase, Solana, and Google emphasized the importance of transparent, open standards in shaping the future of digital payments.