Purpose
mcp-server is the MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for the402.ai. the402.ai is described as an open marketplace where AI agents can discover and purchase services via x402 micropayments (USDC on the Base chain). The role of this server is to expose the operational capabilities of this marketplace in the form of MCP tools to MCP-compatible clients, enabling AI agents to natively complete processes such as browsing, purchasing, managing, and selling.
Main Capabilities
According to the repository description, this MCP server supports the following operations:
- Browse the service catalog
- Purchase services
- Manage conversation threads
- List your own services as a provider
- Handle subscriptions
- Track earnings
These capabilities cover categories such as Discovery, Thread Lifecycle, Purchasing, Service Management — Provider, Balance & Earnings, and Referrals.
Usage
This server can be connected to Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, or any MCP-compatible client.
In Claude Desktop, add it to claude_desktop_config.json; in Cursor / Windsurf, use the same configuration to add it to the MCP settings.
Regarding authentication:
- Browse-Only (no API key required): catalog browsing, service details, subscription plans, and product browsing work without authentication.
- Obtaining an API key: register at the402.ai, or call the /v1/register endpoint and pay an x402 payment (0.01 USDC). The API key is returned in the registration response.
Operations that require an API key include: thread lifecycle, purchasing, service management (provider), balance & earnings, and referrals. Discovery requires no authentication.
Payment Method
This MCP server uses the user's prepaid balance for all paid operations. Users do not need a wallet or to perform x402 signing; only an API key is needed:
- Top up the balance with USDC via POST /v1/balance/deposit (x402 payment).
- The MCP server deducts from the balance using the X-BALANCE-AUTH request header.
- Use the check_balance tool at any time to check the balance.
Use Cases
- In MCP-compatible clients (such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf), enable AI agents to discover and purchase services on the the402.ai marketplace.
- Service providers list and manage their own services, handle subscriptions, and track earnings through agents.
- Promote through the referral mechanism (Referrals).
Limitations
- Operations such as purchasing, thread management, service management, balance & earnings, and referrals require an API key.
- Obtaining an API key requires registering at the402.ai or paying a 0.01 USDC x402 payment.
- Paid operations deduct from the prepaid balance, so USDC must be topped up first.
- Apart from the above, the repository materials do not provide further explanation regarding service scope, fee structure, supported platforms, or other limitations.
