Google has announced the launch of the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) — an open protocol designed to standardize and simplify financial transactions conducted by artificial intelligence agents. The company is implementing this project in collaboration with over 60 organizations, including American Express, Mastercard, Revolut, Salesforce, and others.
This is reported by Business • Media
Features and Benefits of AP2 for AI Payments
The AP2 protocol is created to streamline settlements between AI agents, vendors, and other counterparties. Its key features include:
- Authorization — confirmation of the credentials provided by the user;
- Authenticity — ensuring that the agent’s actions align with the user’s true intent;
- Accountability — identifying responsible parties in the event of erroneous or fraudulent transactions.
AP2 also helps avoid fragmentation of the ecosystem if each model provider implements its own solutions. The protocol supports traditional payment instruments, such as bank cards and transfers, as well as stablecoins and other crypto-assets. Its flexibility allows for the integration of new financial technologies in the future.
Technological Solutions and Development Prospects
The implementation of AP2 is based on the expansion of A2A (x402), for which Google has engaged experts from Coinbase, Ethereum Foundation, and MetaMask. Support for other cryptocurrencies is also anticipated, although details have not yet been disclosed.
“We built it from the ground up, considering both existing payment system capabilities and future ones, such as stablecoins,” said James Tromans, head of the Web3 division at Google Cloud, in an interview with Fortune.
At the heart of the protocol is a mandate mechanism — digital contracts signed cryptographically. This allows for both direct and delegated settlements involving user confirmation. The entire sequence — from intent to payment — is recorded, creating a transparent audit trail that minimizes the risks of errors and abuses.
Google emphasizes that AP2 opens new opportunities for commercial models. For example, a user can set a budget and formulate a comprehensive request, and the AI agent will take care of organizing all payments, including booking flights and accommodations.
“We aim to develop this protocol within an open, collaborative process, including the involvement of standardization bodies, and invite the entire payment and technology community to build this future together with us,” the material highlights.
It is worth noting that there has been a growing interest in artificial intelligence and digital finance in the market recently: the company Perplexity recently raised $200 million in funding at a valuation of $20 billion.