Source: Fortune
Summary
Cloudflare announced tools allowing AI agents to use USDC, a stablecoin from Circle, to pay for online services. The feature, part of Cloudflare’s Monetization Gateway, is in closed beta for U.S.-based users. It enables automatic payments without human intervention. The company plans to expand the tool by early 2027. The move aligns with growing interest in agentic commerce, where AI handles transactions on behalf of users.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Cloudflare is building a payment system for AI agents.
USDC is the chosen currency for these transactions.
The system is still in beta, not widely available.
Agentic commerce is gaining traction, with stablecoins as a key enabler.
Author: Evan Null
Cloudflare’s AI Payment System
Cloudflare is developing a payment system for AI agents, allowing them to use USDC to access online services. The system is part of a broader initiative called the Monetization Gateway. It is currently in closed beta for U.S.-based users and is not yet available to the public.
The company plans to expand the tool by early 2027, as outlined by Rohin Lohe, a product manager at Cloudflare. The system is designed to automate payments, eliminating the need for human intervention in subscription or payment processes.
This move aligns with the growing trend of agentic commerce, where AI agents handle transactions for users. It also reflects the increasing role of stablecoins in digital payments, particularly in automated systems.
Cloudflare’s system acts as an intermediary between websites and AI agents, verifying payments through Coinbase’s x402 system. USDC transactions are settled on Base, a blockchain network operated by Coinbase.
Other companies, including MoonPay, Robinhood, and Visa, have also introduced similar tools to support AI-driven commerce. These developments signal a shift toward automated, AI-powered transactions in the digital economy.
Stablecoins and AI Commerce
Stablecoins like USDC are being positioned as a natural fit for AI-driven commerce. Their peg to the U.S. dollar provides stability, making them suitable for automated transactions. This trend is being championed by companies like Circle, whose CEO, Jeremy Allaire, has written extensively on the topic.
Allaire’s essay, “The Agentic Economy,” envisions a future where AI agents handle more transactions using programmable money. This aligns with Cloudflare’s new tool, which allows agents to pay for services without human input.
The use of stablecoins in AI commerce is not limited to Cloudflare. Other companies, including MoonPay and Robinhood, have also introduced tools to support AI-driven payments. This suggests a broader industry shift toward integrating AI with digital payment systems.
Despite the promise, the technology is still in early stages. Cloudflare’s tool is in closed beta, and widespread adoption is expected by 2027. The industry is still figuring out how to scale these systems while maintaining security and user control.
The integration of stablecoins into AI commerce raises questions about regulation, security, and user trust. As more companies enter the space, the focus will likely shift toward ensuring these systems are both functional and safe for users.
Competition in AI Payment Systems
Cloudflare is not the only company developing AI payment tools. MoonPay recently integrated its payment and wallet system into X’s chatbot, Grok. This allows users to make payments through AI agents using MoonPay’s platform.
In May 2025, Robinhood announced that customers could use AI agents to make purchases with the Robinhood Gold credit card. This move highlights the growing interest in using AI to handle financial transactions on behalf of users.
Circle, Stripe, and Tempo have also introduced tools to support AI agents in holding funds or making payments. These companies are positioning themselves as key players in the emerging agentic commerce space.
Visa and Mastercard have also entered the AI payment arena. In April 2025, Visa introduced tools that let AI agents shop and pay without revealing actual card numbers. Mastercard followed with a program allowing verified agents to make purchases within user-defined limits.
The competition among these companies suggests that AI-driven payments are becoming a critical part of the digital economy. As more tools are developed, the focus will be on how these systems can be scaled and integrated into existing financial infrastructure.
The Role of Blockchain in AI Payments
Blockchain technology is playing a key role in enabling AI-driven payments. Cloudflare’s system uses Coinbase’s x402 payment standard to verify transactions. This allows websites to charge software for access, making it easier for AI agents to pay for services automatically.
USDC transactions are settled on Base, a blockchain network developed by Coinbase. This ensures that payments are processed quickly and securely. The use of blockchain also provides a transparent and tamper-proof record of transactions.
Other companies are also leveraging blockchain for AI payments. MoonPay and Robinhood have integrated blockchain-based tools to support AI-driven transactions. This trend highlights the growing importance of blockchain in enabling secure and automated financial systems.
The integration of blockchain into AI payments raises questions about scalability and interoperability. As more companies adopt these technologies, the challenge will be to ensure that different systems can work together seamlessly.
Despite these challenges, the use of blockchain in AI payments is expected to grow. Companies like Cloudflare, Coinbase, and others are investing heavily in this space, suggesting that blockchain will play a central role in the future of agentic commerce.
Challenges and Opportunities in Agentic Commerce
The rise of agentic commerce presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it has the potential to streamline transactions, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. AI agents can handle routine payments and purchases without human intervention, making the process faster and more convenient.
On the other hand, there are concerns about security, privacy, and control. As AI agents handle more financial transactions, there is a risk of misuse or fraud. Companies must ensure that these systems are secure and that users retain control over their funds.
Regulatory uncertainty is another challenge. Governments and financial institutions are still figuring out how to regulate AI-driven payments. This could slow down the adoption of these technologies until clear guidelines are established.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of agentic commerce are significant. Companies that can successfully implement these systems may gain a competitive advantage in the digital economy. The race to develop the best AI payment tools is likely to continue in the coming years.
As the technology evolves, the focus will shift toward ensuring that these systems are both functional and safe for users. The success of agentic commerce will depend on how well companies can balance innovation with security and regulation.
