How I let AI agents pay for APIs per call (the HTTP 402 path)
A developer has outlined a system for AI agents to pay for API calls using the HTTP 402 Payment Required status code. This approach involves a gateway that verifies budget-capped tokens, preventing runaway AI agent costs. Payments are handled upfront via services like Stripe Checkout, with the token's budget being drawn down per API usage. AI
IMPACT Enables developers to monetize APIs for autonomous AI agents by implementing a secure, budget-controlled payment system.