Google’s AI Payment Protocol May Enable Ethereum Stablecoin Use After Coinbase Collaboration

• Open-source AI payment protocol enables stablecoin transfers between AI agents

• Built with Coinbase, Salesforce, American Express and consulted by the Ethereum Foundation

• Designed to support existing payment rails and forthcoming stablecoin functionality; supports DeFi integration and enterprise use cases

Google AI payment protocol enables stablecoin payments for AI apps—learn how Coinbase collaboration powers interoperable AI-to-AI value transfers. Read the full analysis and implications.

What is the Google AI payment protocol?

The Google AI payment protocol is an open-source framework that lets AI agents send and receive payments, including stablecoins, to automate value exchange. Launched with enterprise partners and crypto collaborators, it supports both traditional payment rails and tokenized, dollar-pegged transfers for AI-driven workflows.

How does stablecoin integration work with AI agents?

Stablecoin functionality was developed in collaboration with Coinbase to make payment systems interoperable between AI platforms. The protocol extends Google’s Agent2Agent framework so autonomous agents can initiate, validate and settle stablecoin transfers using on-chain or off-chain rails.

James Tromans, head of Web3 at Google Cloud, confirmed the protocol supports “existing payment rail capabilities as well as forthcoming capabilities such as stablecoins.” Coinbase engineer Erik Reppel said teams are working to enable AI systems to “transmit value to each other.” These vendor-verified statements indicate cross-industry alignment on technical interoperability.

Source: Coin Bureau

Why does this matter for DeFi and enterprise payments?

Integrating stablecoins into AI workflows creates near-instant, programmable value exchange between agents and services. This can streamline microtransactions, automate service-level payments, and enable AI-driven marketplaces where agents buy compute, data, or services directly.

The initiative includes more than 60 companies and consulting partners such as PayPal, Salesforce, SAP, Deloitte, McKinsey and PwC (reported by Fortune). The Ethereum Foundation was consulted on design elements, signaling that the project considered existing standards like EIP-3009 and potential HTTP 402 use cases.

When could AI agents become major stablecoin users?

Industry leaders predict rapid uptake: Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz has suggested AI agents will be substantial stablecoin users. The Ethereum Foundation also noted that autonomous agents may become “Ethereum’s biggest power users,” particularly where EIP-based token transfers automate payments.

The protocol builds on Google’s Agent2Agent Protocol introduced earlier in the year and broadens its scope from message exchange to value transmission, positioning AI agents as active participants in tokenized economies.

Source: Ethereum Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Google AI payment protocol support existing payment rails?

Yes. The protocol is designed to be compatible with existing payment rails while adding support for stablecoins and tokenized transfers, enabling gradual integration across enterprise systems and crypto-native rails.

Can AI agents execute autonomous stablecoin transfers?

Yes. When combined with standards such as EIP-3009 and Agent2Agent messaging, AI agents can initiate and settle stablecoin transfers automatically under predefined conditions, enabling programmatic micro-payments and automated service settlements.

Who collaborated on the protocol?

Primary collaborators include Google Cloud teams, Coinbase, Salesforce, American Express and consultations with the Ethereum Foundation, along with reporting that more than 60 companies and multiple consulting firms participated in design and testing.

Key Takeaways

• Interoperable AI payments: The protocol lets AI agents send/receive value via traditional rails and stablecoins.
• Industry collaboration: Coinbase, Salesforce, American Express and the Ethereum Foundation contributed to design and development.
• DeFi integration: Stablecoins and EIP standards can enable autonomous agent-driven transactions and new AI-driven marketplaces.

Conclusion

The Google AI payment protocol positions stablecoins as a practical mechanism for AI-to-AI value exchange, combining enterprise payment rails with crypto interoperability. As partners including Coinbase and the Ethereum Foundation refine standards, expect pilot deployments to define early real-world use cases and regulatory considerations.