MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard for connecting AI agents to external tools and services. Semantic supports MCP as a transport for x402, meaning AI agents can discover, call, and pay for tools through a standard MCP server.
How it works
A normal MCP flow: an agent connects to an MCP server, discovers available tools via listTools(), and calls them via callTool(). With x402, the server can require payment for specific tools. The @x402/mcp package handles the payment flow transparently:
- Agent calls a tool via MCP
- Server responds with a
402 Payment Required challenge (embedded in the MCP response)
- The x402 MCP client automatically signs a payment authorization
- Client retries the tool call with the payment header
- The facilitator settles on-chain, and the tool returns its result
From the agent’s perspective, it just calls a tool. Payment happens in the background.
Install
Client setup
Use createx402MCPClient to create an MCP client with built-in x402 payment handling.
Once connected, use standard MCP methods. Payment is handled automatically when a tool requires it.
Payment control
The onPaymentRequested callback gives you control over which payments to approve. Return true to pay, false to reject.
Using with LLMs
The standard pattern is: connect to MCP, convert tools to your LLM’s format, let the LLM decide when to call tools, execute via MCP.
Anthropic
Multi-network support
Register multiple chains so the client can pay on whichever network the server requires:
Cleanup
Always close the client when done:
Next steps
Last modified on February 13, 2026