Mantle and the x402 protocol are deeply integrated to jointly build a new AI-driven payment infrastructure.

Mantle Network has officially announced a deep integration with the x402 protocol, to build a high-performance, autonomous payment network designed for the Machine Economy. This move is a pivotal step for Mantle in the AI and payments space and demonstrates its plan to become the core value transfer layer for the next generation of the internet.

By combining x402’s native payment protocol with Mantle’s advanced modular Layer 2 architecture, the two teams will create next-generation payment infrastructure that offers real-time settlement, interoperability across chains, and verifiable privacy.

Coinbase launched the x402 protocol in May 2025. With its pioneering “HTTP 402 Payment Required” mechanism, x402 redefines machine-to-machine value exchange. The x402 ecosystem has evolved from meme-driven origins to foundational infrastructure, attracting support from organizations such as a16z, Visa, and Google. Mantle Network, as a strategic partner, places x402 at the center of its AI and RWA strategies. Mantle is investing technology, assets, and ecosystem resources to support x402’s evolution from a multi-chain protocol to a global payment standard for the Agentic Economy. This partnership demonstrates Mantle’s commitment to an AI-powered future and supports its goal to serve as a liquidity hub connecting Web2 and Web3.

x402 Protocol: Core Mechanism Overview

x402 is an open, chain-agnostic standard that integrates HTTP with blockchain-based payment processes. When a client (such as an AI Agent) requests a resource but payment is incomplete, the server returns an HTTP 402 status code. The response body includes structured JSON data with fields like maxAmountRequired, payTo, and the relevant asset contract address (e.g., USDC). The client then uses an EIP-712 signature to authorize payment. Once the server verifies authorization, it broadcasts and settles the transaction, enabling automated, end-to-end payments.

Mantle Architecture: A Perfect Fit for x402

Mantle’s modular design and high-performance components ensure robust, reliable operation of x402 in high-frequency, real-time, and trust-critical environments:

• Native USDC & EIP-3009 Support: Mantle natively integrates USDC and fully supports EIP-3009, providing a stable, compliant payment asset foundation for the x402 ecosystem and lowering technical integration barriers.
• Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Enhanced Security & Compliance: In partnership with Succinct SP1, Mantle offers ZKP capabilities that provide verifiable state proofs for x402 payment authorization. This strengthens anti-fraud protection and provides the technical foundation for compliance audits.
• Preconfs Deliver Millisecond Finality: Mantle’s proprietary Preconfs mechanism enables millisecond-level transaction confirmation in high-throughput scenarios, such as bank-grade transfers and AI-driven payments, outpacing traditional L2 networks and meeting strict AI Agent requirements for instant finality.

Looking ahead, Mantle’s high-performance execution layer based on reth will further increase network throughput, supporting thousands of TPS for batch micropayment scenarios targeted by x402. These features give Mantle a clear edge in the x402 ecosystem: Preconfs accelerate payment flows, ZKPs ensure trust, and multi-asset support expands application possibilities.

Mantle’s Roadmap for x402 Evolution—Insights from Technical Lead Raymond @raymond.cheng:

To continuously enhance x402’s real-world performance and security, Mantle will focus on these key initiatives:

• Universal Authorization Contracts: To address the limited EIP-3009 support among most ERC-20 tokens, Mantle will release dedicated authorization contracts that broaden token utility in x402 workflows. These contracts will feature configurable time, amount, and frequency limits to strengthen risk controls.
• Facilitator Service Optimization: Preconfs will boost success rates and responsiveness for large transactions, while a collateral-backed optimistic batch settlement mechanism will improve the user experience for high-frequency, small-value payments.
• Unified, Chain-Agnostic x402 Experience: Mantle plans to introduce a Facilitator Aggregator service that intelligently recommends optimal payment routes based on users’ on-chain environments and needs, delivering a seamless x402 experience across multiple chains and reducing fragmentation.

Mantle: The Ideal Liquidity Layer for x402

Mantle’s strategy combines banking-grade infrastructure, AI-powered economies, and Real World Assets (RWA), aligning with x402’s vision for universal payments. As x402 expands to new blockchains, Mantle—leveraging its Preconfs, diverse on-chain assets (mETH, cmETH, fbTC, USDe, and more), and growing liquidity—will be the key enabler for x402’s “support any asset” vision.

In the future, AI Agents on Mantle will autonomously execute data purchases or RWA transactions via x402 at low cost (e.g., 0.002 USDe), while earning yield on their assets during payment. This approach will redefine capital efficiency and the payment experience, strengthen Mantle’s position as the Web3 Liquidity Hub, and support its evolution from a crypto-native platform to liquidity infrastructure connecting Web2 and Web3.

Key Advisor Emily on x402’s Potential on Mantle:

The integration of x402 and Mantle Network is more than a merger of advanced technology stacks—it is a critical step toward building an autonomous economic future. Through ongoing innovation and ecosystem building, Mantle is driving x402 from trending concept to mainstream adoption, giving developers and enterprises a direct path to next-generation, AI-powered payments. Global developers are encouraged to use integration platforms like QuestFlow to explore the potential of x402 on Mantle.

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