Solana and Google Cloud Launch Pay.sh for AI Agent APIs

The Solana Foundation and Google Cloud launched Pay.sh on 5 May 2026. Pay.sh is a payment system that lets artificial intelligence (AI) agents buy access to application programming interfaces (APIs). APIs are software connections that allow programs to use external services. AI agents are automated programs that complete tasks without direct human control. The system processes payments using stablecoins — digital currencies with a fixed value — on the Solana blockchain.

"Agents can now instantly discover, access, and pay-per-request for any API autonomously, for the first time supporting APIs from Google Cloud including Gemini, BigQuery, Vertex AI, and more using stablecoins on Solana.", 04 May 2026. — Solana Foundation, Official Communications, Solana Foundation

Agents pay fractions of a cent per API callThrough Pay.sh, AI agents pay per individual API request. Each payment costs fractions of one US cent. The system removes the need for monthly subscriptions or user accounts. The AI agent's Solana wallet acts as its identifier, replacing traditional login credentials. Google Cloud runs the backend infrastructure that handles API routing and payment execution automatically.

Network covers over 50 API providers at launchAccording to the launch announcement, the Pay.sh network included more than 50 providers at launch. These include data and analytics platforms such as Dune Analytics, Nansen, Helius, and Alchemy. Google Cloud services available through the system include Gemini, BigQuery, and Vertex AI. Some secondary sources reported more than 75 individual API endpoints at launch. The provider count and endpoint count are different metrics; the difference has not been reconciled across sources.

x402 protocol underpins Pay.sh payment layerPay.sh operates on the x402 protocol, an open payment standard developed by Coinbase. Coinbase is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange. The x402 protocol enables services to charge per request rather than per subscription. The launch announcement states Pay.sh reportedly supports the Machine Payments Protocol (MPP) as a second payment layer option. The claim that MPP is linked to Stripe has not been independently verified and is not confirmed in this report. According to the launch announcement, the Pay.sh network included more than 50 providers at launch. These include data and analytics platforms such as Dune Analytics, Nansen, Helius, and Alchemy. Google Cloud services available through the system include Gemini, BigQuery, and Vertex AI. Some secondary sources reported more than 75 individual API endpoints at launch. The provider count and endpoint count are different metrics; the difference has not been reconciled across sources.

x402 protocol underpins Pay.sh payment layerPay.sh operates on the x402 protocol, an open payment standard developed by Coinbase. Coinbase is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange. The x402 protocol enables services to charge per request rather than per subscription. The launch announcement states Pay.sh reportedly supports the Machine Payments Protocol (MPP) as a second payment layer option. The claim that MPP is linked to Stripe has not been independently verified and is not confirmed in this report. Pay.sh operates on the x402 protocol, an open payment standard developed by Coinbase. Coinbase is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange. The x402 protocol enables services to charge per request rather than per subscription. The launch announcement states Pay.sh reportedly supports the Machine Payments Protocol (MPP) as a second payment layer option. The claim that MPP is linked to Stripe has not been independently verified and is not confirmed in this report. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and involve significant risk. You may lose part or all of your investment. All information on Coinpaprika is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Coinpaprika is not liable for any losses resulting from the use of this information.