Coinbase Launches AI Agent Payment Features Amid Armstrong's Push for Programmable Money

According to Odaily, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated recently that artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are complementary technologies, with AI Agents requiring real-time programmable money to operate autonomously. Armstrong projected that AI Agents will eventually conduct more daily transactions than all humans combined, without needing approval for each step.

Coinbase has positioned USDC, the Base blockchain, and its x402 payment protocol as core infrastructure for this emerging market. The company has launched AI Agent payment capabilities through Coinbase Business, enabling AI systems to access wallets, process payments, and execute financial instructions within user-defined limits.