Google has introduced an open-source payments protocol that allows artificial intelligence applications to process transactions using both stablecoins and traditional credit cards. Developed with more than 60 partners, including Coinbase, the Ethereum Foundation, American Express, and Salesforce, the protocol is designed to ensure AI systems can send and receive money securely while remaining aligned with human intent.
The launch builds on Google’s earlier work around communication standards for AI agents. By adding payments functionality, the company is addressing a core challenge: enabling autonomous systems to handle transactions without relying on closed, proprietary platforms. The protocol is open-source, meaning developers worldwide can adapt and build on it to suit their needs.
Coinbase played a central role in building out the crypto components, ensuring compatibility with stablecoins such as USDC. The inclusion of the Ethereum Foundation and other blockchain stakeholders ensures the system supports decentralized rails alongside conventional payment infrastructure. This dual-track design means users will be able to pay with stablecoins on blockchain networks or fall back on traditional card rails, depending on preference and context.
Industry partners such as Etsy and AmEx are already exploring potential integrations, signaling that both consumer platforms and financial institutions see practical use cases for AI-driven payments. Google said the goal is to “make money movement as seamless and interoperable as information flow,” ensuring AI systems can operate in global markets without friction.
By opening this to public collaboration and aligning with regulated partners, Google appears to be positioning the system for long-term compliance and trust. As AI agents grow more sophisticated, acting as shopping assistants, travel planners, or even financial managers, they will require reliable ways to execute payments. Google’s new protocol represents an early attempt to set the standard, combining blockchain’s transparency with traditional finance’s reach to create a payments layer for the AI economy.
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