CoinDesk reports that on April 21, blockchain analytics firm Nansen announced a comprehensive upgrade to its on-chain data API, introducing a “pay-per-use” model built on the x402 protocol and PayAI infrastructure. Users can now make micropayments in USDC to instantly query wallet profiles, token flows, and smart money signals—without being locked into monthly subscriptions, mandatory approvals, or long-term contracts. Nansen noted that traditional subscription models are poorly suited for AI agents and developers: AI agents often require intermittent queries followed by periods of inactivity; developers in prototyping stages face uncertain future usage; and researchers are trapped by unnecessary fixed fees. The new solution is built around the open payment standard x402: when a request is made to a paid endpoint, the server responds with a 402 Payment Required status code, specifying the amount, currency, and chain information; the client then completes an on-chain USDC transaction and attaches proof of payment to retrieve the data. The entire “request-invoice-pay-deliver” workflow is fully programmable, enabling AI agents to autonomously execute payments. Nansen is offering two pricing tiers for its API, both settled in USDC on Base or Solana: the Basic tier costs $0.01 per call, providing core data such as token filtering, wallet balances and history, DEX trades, and P&L summaries; the Advanced tier costs $0.05 per call, unlocking proprietary signals including smart money net flows,持仓 distribution, and P&L leaderboards. In practical applications, a single run of a smart money alert system costs approximately $0.15, wallet profiling analysis costs about $0.07, and token research costs around $0.07.
Nansen Launches Pay-Per-Use Model with Base or Solana USDC Settlement
币界网Share
Summary
Nansen announced a blockchain upgrade on April 21, 2026, overhauling its on-chain data API with a pay-per-use model. The new system, built on the x402 protocol and PayAI, enables users to access wallet profiles and smart money signals via micro USDC payments on Base or Solana. Developers and AI agents can now pay for and retrieve data directly through on-chain transactions, eliminating the need for subscriptions or long-term commitments. The API features two pricing tiers: $0.01 per call for basic data such as DEX transactions, and $0.05 per call for advanced signals like profit/loss rankings. This change introduces new on-chain developments to the token analytics sector.
Source:Show original
Disclaimer: The information on this page may have been obtained from third parties and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of KuCoin. This content is provided for general informational purposes only, without any representation or warranty of any kind, nor shall it be construed as financial or investment advice. KuCoin shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information.
Investments in digital assets can be risky. Please carefully evaluate the risks of a product and your risk tolerance based on your own financial circumstances. For more information, please refer to our Terms of Use and Risk Disclosure.