Coinbase Payments MCP Bridges AI Models and On-Chain Tools

Coinbase has unveiled Payments MCP, a new tool that allows AI agents like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT to access on-chain financial tools without needing API keys, reports Cointelegraph. This development makes it easier for AI models to interact with the crypto economy.

⚡️ NEW: Coinbase introduces Payments MCP, enabling AI agents like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT to access onchain financial tools with no API keys needed. pic.twitter.com/DvAjpftFKV

— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) October 23, 2025

What Is Payments MCP?

Payments MCP, short for Model Context Protocol, comes from Coinbase’s Developer Platform. It helps AI agents perform financial tasks like creating wallets, sending stablecoins, and accessing fiat-to-crypto onramps using simple commands.

Unlike traditional setups that require complicated API integrations, Payments MCP simplifies the process. For instance, an AI agent can now send or receive crypto through natural language prompts. Additionally, the system runs locally on the user’s computer, making it more safe and user-friendly.

How Payments MCP Works

The tool has a lot of key features. First, AI agents can create and sign into wallets using just an email address. This removes the need for developers to set up complicated accounts.

Second, agents can send and receive stablecoins. This ensures predictable and fast transactions.

Third, fiat-to-crypto onramps are built in. This allows AI agents to convert traditional money into cryptocurrency easily.

Finally, users can set spending controls. They can limit agent activity and manage transactions through a local desktop interface.

Moreover, Payments MCP comes with the x402 Bazaar Explorer. This lets agents discover APIs and services they can pay for directly within the interface.

Supported AI Models

Currently, Payments MCP supports several AI models, including:

• Claude Desktop
  
• Claude Code
  
• Codex
  
• Gemini
  
• Cherry Studio
  

These models can now perform transactions autonomously. For example, they can pay for cloud resources, access paywalled data, tip creators, or even manage small business operations. Coinbase plans to add support for more models soon.

AI Meets Crypto: New Opportunities

Payments MCP marks a major step in agentic commerce. By letting AI agents transact with crypto, Coinbase connects artificial intelligence and decentralized finance. This opens up new possibilities for automation, efficiency and innovation across different sectors, such as finance, content creation and business services.

Additionally, the tool shows how AI can handle routine financial tasks. This reduces human effort and allows agents to act faster and more efficiently.

The Future of AI in Finance

As AI technology advances, more agents will likely perform financial operations independently. Payments MCP sets the stage for a future where AI actively participates in the global economy.

Coinbase’s innovation could inspire other companies to explore similar integrations. Ultimately, the combination of AI and DeFi promises faster, smarter and more flexible ways to manage money and digital assets.