Alchemy Enables AI Agents to Pay Onchain and Access Blockchain Data

[cryptobro]

Blockchain infrastructure firm Alchemy has launched a new system that allows autonomous AI agents to purchase compute credits and access blockchain data services using onchain wallets and USD Coin on Base. The rollout enables AI agents to independently query blockchain networks, verify NFT ownership, check wallet balances across chains and retrieve live token price data — all without human intervention.

If an agent runs out of prepaid credits, the system automatically triggers a payment request that can be settled in USDC via Coinbase’s x402 payment standard, converting an HTTP “402 Payment Required” response into an onchain billing event. Alchemy CEO Nikil Viswanathan said the feature is designed for developers building DeFi bots and multi-step onchain workflows. With major platforms like Robinhood Crypto, Uniswap, and OpenSea already relying on its infrastructure, Viswanathan described the launch as a key milestone for the emerging “agentic economy.”

[madtrader]

the phrase “agentic economy” feels like it was generated by the agents themselves