About the402ai
the402ai is an MCP server for browsing and transacting in the the402.ai marketplace for AI agent services and digital products. Its README states that the service is scheduled to close on November 21, 2026, after which the package will have no server to contact.
Key features
- 01Search service and product catalogs
- 02Purchase services and digital products
- 03Manage service conversations
- 04Create and manage listings and plans
- 05Track balances and provider earnings
Use cases
- 01Find marketplace services by category or price
- 02Purchase a service or digital product using a balance
- 03Manage service listings, subscriptions, or earnings
MCP support
The server exposes marketplace discovery, purchasing, provider management, subscriptions, products, balances, and account operations as tools to MCP clients. Some browsing tools work without authentication; other operations require an API key.
Configuration
Local server config is the same for every client. Copy it into your client’s MCP config file.
Tools
30Saved tool list · updated 2w ago
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| sort | enum | No | Sort order (default: relevance)relevance | price_asc | price_desc | reputation |
| limit | number | No | Results per page (default: 20, max: 100) |
| query | string | No | Search keywords (full-text search with BM25 ranking) |
| offset | number | No | Pagination offset |
| category | string | No | Filter by category |
| service_type | enum | No | Filter by type: data_api (instant), automated_service (async), human_service (expert)data_api | automated_service | human_service |
| min_reputation | number | No | Minimum provider reputation score (0-100) |
Details
From the project README@the402/mcp-server
the402 is closing on November 21, 2026. After that date there is no server for this package to talk to. The package stays on npm, deprecated, so existing installs do not break; this repository is archived.
MCP server for the402.ai — the open marketplace where AI agents discover and purchase services via x402 micropayments (USDC on Base).
Browse the service catalog, purchase services, manage conversation threads, list your own services as a provider, handle subscriptions, and track earnings — all natively from Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, or any MCP-compatible client.
Quick Start
Claude Desktop
Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"the402": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@the402/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"THE402_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
}
}
}
}
Cursor / Windsurf
Add to your MCP settings with the same configuration.
Browse-Only (No API Key)
Catalog browsing, service details, subscription plans, and product browsing work without authentication:
{
"mcpServers": {
"the402": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@the402/mcp-server"]
}
}
}
Getting an API Key
Register on the402.ai or call the /v1/register endpoint with an x402 payment ($0.01 USDC). Your API key is returned in the registration response.
Configuration
| Variable | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
THE402_API_KEY | No | — | API key for authenticated operations |
THE402_API_BASE | No | https://api.the402.ai | API base URL |
Tools (30)
Discovery (no auth required)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
search_catalog | Search services by keyword, category, type, price range |
get_service | Get full service details — pricing, input schema, provider reputation |
get_platform_info | Platform health, status, referral program details |
Thread Lifecycle (API key required)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
inquire_service | Start a conversation about a service ($0.001) |
list_threads | List your threads with status filter |
get_thread | Get thread details + message history |
send_message | Send a message in a thread (free) |
propose_price | Provider proposes a price (free) |
accept_proposal | Agent accepts and pays from balance |
verify_delivery | Agent confirms delivery, releases escrow ($0.001) |
decline_thread | Cancel a thread (free) |
Purchasing (API key required)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
purchase_service | Buy a fixed-price service |
purchase_product | Buy a digital product |
Service Management — Provider (API key required)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
create_service | List a new service on the marketplace |
update_service | Update service details or status |
delete_service | Remove a service listing |
Subscriptions
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
list_plans | Browse subscription plans (no auth) |
subscribe_to_plan | Subscribe and pay first period |
manage_subscription | Cancel, pause, or resume |
create_plan | Provider creates a plan |
manage_plan | Provider updates or deletes a plan |
Products
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
browse_products | Search digital product catalog (no auth) |
list_purchases | List your purchased products |
manage_product | Provider creates, updates, or deletes products |
Balance & Earnings (API key required)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
check_balance | Check pre-funded USDC balance |
balance_history | Transaction history |
provider_earnings | Provider earnings breakdown |
Referrals (API key required)
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
referrals | Get referral code, list referrals, view earnings, withdraw |
Account
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
get_participant | View a participant's profile (no auth) |
update_profile | Update your profile (API key) |
How Payments Work
The MCP server uses your pre-funded balance for all paid operations. No wallet or x402 signing is needed — just your API key.
- Deposit USDC to your balance via
POST /v1/balance/deposit(x402 payment) - The MCP server uses
X-BALANCE-AUTHheader to deduct from your balance - Check your balance anytime with the
check_balancetool
License
MIT
Comments
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