Facilitator

The facilitator is a core component of the x402 payment system. It executes blockchain transactions on behalf of users, enabling gasless payments.

What is a Facilitator?

A facilitator is a service that:

• Receives signed payment authorizations from your server
• Verifies the authorization is valid and has sufficient funds
• Executes the USDC transfer on-chain
• Pays gas fees so users don't need MNT tokens

Users only sign EIP-3009 authorizations — the facilitator handles all blockchain interactions.

How It Works

Payment Flow:

1. Client → Server: Request to protected endpoint
2. Server → Client: Returns 402 with payment requirements
3. Client: User signs EIP-3009 authorization in wallet
4. Client → Server: Retry request with X-PAYMENT header
5. Server → Facilitator: Verify payment header
6. Facilitator → Blockchain: Execute USDC transfer
7. Facilitator → Server: Return transaction hash
8. Server → Client: Return response

Deployment Options

You have two options for running a facilitator:

Self-Hosted (Recommended)

Run your own facilitator for full control over your payment infrastructure with no per-transaction fees.

Benefits:

• Complete control over your infrastructure
• No per-transaction fees
• Custom configuration and monitoring
• Data stays on your servers

Requirements:

• Wallet with MNT for gas fees
• facilitatorSecret — ensures only your app can use your facilitator

Set up Self-Hosted Facilitator →

Hosted

Use our managed facilitator service — just add projectKey from dashboard. No infrastructure to deploy.

Benefits:

• Zero configuration — no facilitator URL needed
• We pay gas fees
• High availability
• Automatic updates
• Built-in analytics

Use Hosted Facilitator →

Facilitator Endpoints

Every facilitator (self-hosted or hosted) exposes the same API:

Next Steps

• Self-Hosted Facilitator — Deploy your own facilitator
• Hosted Facilitator — Use our managed service
• API Reference — Detailed endpoint documentation