Per-request x402
$0.001–$0.05 per API call
Use for: Search, data, enrichment, model tools, MCP tools
Best first launch pattern for agent-native API monetization.
AI Agent Payment Pricing Patterns
Subscriptions and API keys were built for humans. Autonomous agents need usage-based pricing, receipts, budget limits, and settlement that can happen at workflow speed.
Channel-based AMP
Session deposit + metered usage
Use for: High-volume agents, trading loops, repeated inference/data calls
Best when the same agent makes hundreds or thousands of calls.
Policy-managed vault
Budget cap per agent, team, recipient, and period
Use for: Production teams giving agents spending authority
Turns wallets into controlled financial actors.
Enterprise integration
Custom
Use for: Providers, desks, and agent platforms needing settlement, receipts, and audit
For teams that need chain support, dashboards, and integration support.
Provider checklist
✓ Pick one read-heavy endpoint to price first
✓ Publish machine-readable pricing in the 402 response
✓ Return receipts with request ID, amount, asset, chain, recipient, and status
✓ Add abuse controls: rate limits, spend caps, recipient allowlists
✓ Offer a usage endpoint for billing and compliance review
✓ Move high-frequency users to channels once volume appears
Want this integrated into your API?
QBT Labs can help API providers ship x402 payments, agent receipts, channel settlement, and policy-controlled spending without rebuilding billing from scratch.