Why AI agents could become crypto's most important users

For years, the cryptocurrency industry has worked to persuade the global population that a new universal payment method is essential. The main challenge with that pitch is that most people already have perfectly serviceable alternatives.

When making an online purchase, options such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or a standard bank transfer are available. These methods are intuitive, efficient and typically function without issues. Persuading consumers to suddenly adopt stablecoins for their transactions presents a difficult proposition.

However, it may turn out that humans were never the primary target audience. That distinction could instead belong to AI agents.

BlackRock argued last week that artificial intelligence could emerge as a significant force behind the adoption of digital assets. This is particularly relevant as autonomous agents start paying for data and computing power.

When considering what an AI agent actually requires from a payment system, that reasoning begins to hold weight.

Why AI agents could need stablecoins

Put simply, an AI agent is software designed to complete tasks on a user's behalf.

Imagine instructing one to plan a vacation, search for flights and hotels, and book the most affordable option within a set budget. That concept already sounds familiar.

In the future, that same agent might also need to pay small amounts for database access, use another AI model or cover computing costs.

Humans can simply use a credit card for such payments. Software, however, requires a system that operates differently.

That is where stablecoins become relevant. They are digital, programmable and can transfer value 24/7 — characteristics that matter much more when the payer is software rather than a person.

Coinbase's x402 payments protocol provides an early example. It allows software to encounter a payment requirement, complete the transaction and proceed with its task without any need for manual credit card entry.

CoinDesk reported in July that x402 processed approximately 75 million payments totaling $24 million over a 30-day period, with an average transaction value of roughly 32 cents. That volume is notable and stands in stark contrast to convincing someone to pay for a meal using USDC.

What we are discussing here is the potential for millions of microtransactions occurring between machines.

Crypto still has to beat traditional payments

Of course, this does not mean crypto automatically dominates this space.

Google is working on its Agent Payments Protocol, which now supports autonomous transactions without a human present, based on pre-approved user instructions. Visa and Mastercard are also developing infrastructure for agent-led commerce. Mastercard's system supports cards, bank accounts and stablecoins rather than relying on a single payment method.

Ultimately, the outcome may come down to competition between different payment rails.

Stablecoins do hold one interesting advantage. They are already digital, programmable and capable of moving value around the clock.

Humans may not place much value on those features because existing payment systems work adequately. However, AI agents may find them significantly more important.

It is an ironic twist that crypto has spent years trying to convince people they need programmable money. It may turn out that machines need it more than humans do.