Coinbase launches AI-powered agent platform for crypto trading and payments

Coinbase announced the launch of "Coinbase for Agents," a platform that lets AI agents connect to users' Coinbase accounts to trade, make payments and run automated workflows within user‑defined limits. The service is offered as a managed cloud program (MCP) and a command‑line interface, with the option to operate in a sandbox environment separate from the primary account.

The agents can use tools such as Coinbase Advanced, TradingView charts and support crypto spot markets and derivatives at launch, with plans to add more markets and custom limits on trade size and spend. Payments are handled through the x402 open payment protocol, developed with partners including AWS, Anthropic, Circle and Near, allowing agents to pay for services like premium data APIs without a traditional login. Coinbase builds on earlier AI initiatives such as AgentKit and an AI‑powered assistant introduced in 2023, and the effort is described by Lincoln Murr, head of AI product, as part of the emerging "agentic economy." Regulators are monitoring the sector for AI‑related financial risks.