CoinGecko has slashed the cost of its experimental x402 crypto data API endpoints by 50%, dropping the price from $0.01 USDC to $0.005 USDC per request. This move makes pay-as-you-go crypto data significantly more affordable for developers. The company also introduced a third payment option, allowing settlements in USDC on Polygon, in addition to existing support for Base and Solana.
The pricing update applies to CoinGecko’s x402 endpoints, which remain labeled as experimental. These endpoints operate differently from traditional API plans, requiring no API key or account setup. Instead, they function like a vending machine, where a client requests data, receives an HTTP 402 “Payment Required” response, and then signs a payment payload to resend the request.
The x402 protocol was originally developed by Coinbase and is designed to enable direct machine-to-machine payments. This approach is particularly useful for automated systems, such as AI agents that need on-demand blockchain data. The protocol’s per-call micropayment model aligns better with the bursty usage patterns of these agents compared to traditional subscription models.
Adding Polygon as a settlement network is a strategic move, as it reduces friction for developers who hold USDC on different chains. This expansion signals CoinGecko’s view of x402 as a multichain standard rather than a single-network experiment. The move benefits small teams and independent developers by lowering the entry barrier for testing new ideas without committing to a full subscription.