# Kobaru

> Kobaru is purpose-built payment infrastructure for developers implementing the x402 protocol for HTTP-native micropayments. It enables API monetization through machine-payable transactions on blockchain networks including Solana, Base, and SKALE, with sub-second settlement and near-zero transaction costs.

## What is x402?

x402 is an HTTP status code protocol for standardized API micropayments. When a client requests a protected resource, the server responds with `402 Payment Required` and payment instruction headers. The client processes payment via blockchain and retries the request with cryptographic proof-of-payment. The server validates the proof and returns the protected content.

x402 is an open protocol specification, not proprietary to Kobaru. Any facilitator can implement x402, and clients can use standard x402 SDKs with any compatible facilitator.

## How Kobaru Works

Kobaru offers two integration methods:

**1. Transparent Proxy (Zero-Code)**
Configure via Kobaru Console without modifying your backend. Point Kobaru at your existing API URL, set pricing rules, and get a proxy endpoint. Kobaru handles x402 validation, payment verification, and request forwarding. Your original API requires zero code changes.

**2. Standard x402 SDK Integration**
Use official x402 v2 SDK libraries (TypeScript/Node.js, Go, Python) with Kobaru as your facilitator. Point SDK to `https://gateway.kobaru.io` and implement payment middleware in your application code. Fully compatible with x402 protocol specification.

Both methods are non-custodial. Payments settle directly to your wallet, never held by Kobaru.

## Supported Blockchains

- **Solana (L1)**: Maximum decentralization, sub-second finality
- **Base (L2)**: EVM compatibility with lower costs than Ethereum mainnet
- **SKALE on Base (L3)**: Zero gas fees, high-throughput scenarios

All networks use USDC stablecoin for payments.

## Effortless MCP

Kobaru's Effortless MCP turns any API into an AI-ready MCP (Model Context Protocol) tool with zero code and zero infrastructure. Merchants enable MCP in the Kobaru Console, and their API endpoints become tools that AI agents can discover and call — with payments handled automatically via x402.

**For merchants:**
- Zero code: no MCP SDK, no JSON-RPC server, no auth layer
- Zero infrastructure: Kobaru hosts and operates the MCP server
- Auto-generated setup page: the Console creates merchant-specific instructions with slug, tool list, and pricing
- Instant monetization with sub-cent micropayments

**For end users:**
- One-command setup: `npm install -g @kobaru/mcp && kobaru-mcp setup {merchant-slug}`
- 8 AI clients supported: Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Codex, Gemini CLI, Antigravity, OpenCode
- Self-custody wallets with per-request and daily budget controls
- No API keys or subscriptions — payment replaces authentication

**Why not traditional MCP?**
Traditional MCP setup requires 300+ lines of code per tool, OAuth 2.0 with RFC 8707, 2–4 weeks of engineering, and ongoing security maintenance (43% of MCP servers have vulnerabilities). Effortless MCP eliminates all of this.

Learn more: [Effortless MCP](https://www.kobaru.io/mcp)

## Key Features

- **Non-Custodial**: Funds settle directly to your wallet, never held by Kobaru
- **Sub-Second Settlement**: Transaction finality in under 2 seconds across supported networks
- **Zero Gas Fees**: Kobaru covers gas costs on SKALE; near-zero costs on Solana and Base
- **Instant Start**: No sign-up required for basic usage; point SDK to gateway URL
- **Real-Time Analytics**: Kobaru Console provides transaction monitoring and reconciliation
- **Institutional Infrastructure**: Built by payment industry veterans for production reliability
- **Usage Models**: Pay-per-request and pay-per-time pricing options

## Integration Guides

- [Kobaru Documentation](https://docs.kobaru.io): Complete technical guides including Transparent Proxy setup, x402 SDK integration, and Direct API usage
- [Transparent Proxy Guide](https://docs.kobaru.io/integration/transparent-proxy): Zero-code API monetization via Kobaru Console in 5 minutes
- [x402 SDK Guide](https://docs.kobaru.io/integration/x402-sdk): Standard x402 v2 SDK integration for TypeScript, Go, and Python with middleware examples
- [SKALE Integration](https://docs.kobaru.io/integration/skale): Using Kobaru with SKALE on Base for zero gas fee micropayments
- [Kobaru Console](https://console.kobaru.io): Revenue command center for real-time analytics, service configuration, and reconciliation

## Key Blog Posts

- [x402: The HTTP payment protocol](https://blog.kobaru.io/x402-http-payment-protocol): Protocol design, header format, and payment flow specification
- [What Makes Kobaru Different](https://blog.kobaru.io/what-makes-kobaru-different): Payment infrastructure expertise, institutional reliability, and production-grade features
- [Building the Future of Programmable Payments](https://blog.kobaru.io/building-x402-future-programmable-payments): Why x402 protocol enables machine-to-machine commerce
- [SaaS Landscape 2026](https://blog.kobaru.io/saas-landscape-2026-ai-market-bifurcation-micropayments): Comprehensive analysis of AI disruption, market bifurcation, and why micropayments were previously impossible
- [API Paywall Cookbook](https://blog.kobaru.io/api-paywall-cookbook-open-source-x402-examples): Open-source examples in Go, Rust, Node.js/TypeScript, and Python with production patterns
- [Python Photo Restoration API](https://blog.kobaru.io/python-photo-restoration-api-x402-v2-sdk): Production-ready tutorial for building monetized APIs with x402 v2 SDK and SKALE blockchain

## Technical Resources

- [x402 Protocol Specification](https://x402.gitbook.io): Official protocol documentation maintained by x402 community
- [API Paywall Cookbook Repository](https://github.com/kobaru-io/api-paywall-cookbook): Production-ready code examples with authentication, rate limiting, and monitoring
- [Gateway Endpoint](https://gateway.kobaru.io): Kobaru facilitator URL for x402 SDK integration (no sign-up required for basic usage)
- [Kobaru Console](https://console.kobaru.io): Dashboard for service management, analytics, and enhanced SLA features

## Pricing & Tiers

Kobaru operates on a freemium model with four tiers:

- **Community Tier**: Free, anonymous access to gateway.kobaru.io (no sign-up required)
- **Developer Tier**: Free with account; includes Console dashboard and transaction monitoring
- **Professional Tier**: Pay-as-you-go with priority support and enhanced SLAs
- **Enterprise Tier**: Custom pricing with fiat settlement, compliance reporting, and dedicated support

## Optional

Additional resources for context:

- [Effortless MCP](https://www.kobaru.io/mcp): Turn any API into an AI-ready MCP tool with zero code
- [Kobaru Website](https://www.kobaru.io): Product overview, use cases, and platform introduction
- [Blog](https://blog.kobaru.io): Technical articles, protocol updates, and integration guides
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.kobaru.io/privacy): Data handling and GDPR compliance
- [Terms of Service](https://www.kobaru.io/terms): Legal terms and service agreement
- [Support Email](mailto:support@kobaru.io): Technical support and partnership inquiries
- [Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/GoKobaru): Product announcements and ecosystem updates

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Last updated: 2026-02-25
Gateway: https://gateway.kobaru.io
Console: https://console.kobaru.io
Contact: support@kobaru.io