Coinbase has introduced the x402 payment protocol, designed to streamline blockchain transactions by adding an x-payment field to HTTP request headers. This protocol facilitates simple, stateless, one-time payments, which are reflected on-chain. For instance, on the Base network, users can make micro-payments using USDC, with the payment request including JSON content that contains payment-related fields and a signature generated by the user's wallet private key. The x402 protocol supports the transferWithAuthorization mechanism, an offline signature method, ensuring that once a transaction is on-chain, it is considered successful. The protocol itself does not handle post-payment actions, leaving it to service providers to determine the response, such as issuing tokens or providing access to services. Coinbase's initiative aims to set a standard for payment processes, which other industry players can adopt or expand upon. Users are advised to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of transactions to avoid potential scams.