Why the x402 protocol didn’t fade after the PING hype, and what’s driving the second wave

The x402 protocol provides a straightforward method for implementing pay-per-use functionality on the internet, utilizing the HTTP 402 status code to request onchain payments (often in USDC) for accessing APIs, files, or AI inferences without needing accounts or keys. Although the concept is old, Coinbase formalized the protocol in 2025, followed by a partnership with Cloudflare to launch the x402 Foundation. Initial attention came from the PING memecoin launch, which served as the protocol's first large-scale test case by using an x402 flow for its pay-to-mint mechanic. However, the protocol has survived the token's fading hype because it solves a real utility problem, now entering a "second wave" driven by infrastructure support from major players like Cloudflare and Coinbase, particularly for AI agents that need to pay automatically. Developers can quickly test the 402 → pay → grant flow using managed gateways or open-source implementations. Future adoption signals include the formal launch of the x402 Foundation and integration into mainstream developer tools like Cloudflare's Agents SDK and MCP servers.

(Source：Cointelegraph)