Pay without a Locus account - Locus Docs

An agent doesn’t need a Locus account to use Locus tools. It can pay for each request from its own wallet, through MPP on Tempo or x402 on Base. This page compares the options.

How it works

Both MPP and x402 use an HTTP 402 payment challenge. The tool endpoint asks for payment, the agent pays from its wallet, and Locus forwards the request once payment checks out. The payment challenge shows the actual price and asset. Check both before signing, because catalog prices are estimates.

Compare payment options

	Locus wallet	MPP	x402
Account	Locus API key	None	None
Pays with	USDC on Base	USDC.e on Tempo	USDC on Base
Spending controls	Apply	Don’t apply	Don’t apply
Providers	Catalog	MPP list	x402 index

MPP

Pay from a Tempo wallet funded with USDC.e. If a provider fails after a one-time payment settles, Locus attempts a refund to the same wallet. See MPP tool payments.

x402

Pay with USDC on Base at https://<provider>.x402.paywithlocus.com/<provider>/<endpoint>. The x402 index lists the supported providers. Some providers offer fewer models or options over x402, so read the provider’s page before calling it.

Next steps

MPP tool payments

Providers, refunds, and usage sessions on Tempo.

Use agent tools

Pay from a Locus wallet instead.