x402 & ERC-8004: AI Agent Payments and Trust Layer
Bitget Wallet researcher outlines two key Ethereum-based standards for the autonomous AI agent economy. The x402 protocol defines a micro-payment currency for secure machine-to-machine payments. The complementary ERC-8004 establishes a decentralized trust layer for identity and reputation. Together they form a closed loop: agents discover and evaluate partners via ERC-8004, lock funds in x402 contracts, and verify task execution with third-party proofs. Core ERC-8004 features include on-chain identity, reputation and validation registries for transparency. This infrastructure paves the way for AI agent browsers, marketplaces and rating platforms. While both standards face adoption hurdles, they mark a shift from unregulated growth to structured machine economies. Traders should note the potential for increased blockchain usage driven by AI micro-payments and trust solutions.
Neutral
The announcement of x402 and ERC-8004 focuses on technological infrastructure rather than immediate trading catalysts. While the new protocol and trust standard could increase Ethereum network usage over time, they do not directly influence token supply or market sentiment in the short term. Historical precedent shows that protocol proposals (like EIPs) tend to have a neutral or delayed impact on prices. In the long term, improved micro-payment and trust features may support ecosystem growth, but traders are unlikely to react strongly at this stage. Overall, the market impact is expected to be neutral.