Coinbase has introduced x402, a new internet-native payments protocol designed to facilitate payments for AI agents. This development aims to revitalize a previously underutilized web payment code, positioning Coinbase at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology with AI-driven commerce. OpenAI's Chief Product Officer, Kevin Weil, envisions AI agents using smart contracts on blockchain platforms like Ethereum to enable programmable and controllable payments when shopping autonomously on behalf of users. This aligns with the broader industry trend, as major payment processors Visa and Mastercard are also adapting their networks to support AI agents through initiatives named "Intelligent Commerce" and "Agent Pay," respectively. These programs aim to embed payment functionalities directly into AI ecosystems. Meanwhile, the AI-driven payments space is also witnessing a parallel arms race against fraud, with Visa actively combating AI-enabled fraudulent activities. The anticipated influx of billions of new users in the form of AI agents on Ethereum highlights the growing intersection of blockchain and artificial intelligence in the payments sector.