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- Circle launches USDC Nanopayments enabling ultra-small transactions across 11 chains.
- System removes per-transaction gas fees using off-chain batching and later settlement.
- Supports AI agents and apps to automate payments without manual approval flows.
Circle launched its Nanopayments system on mainnet through Circle Gateway infrastructure. The rollout enables developers, AI agents, and software systems to process very small USDC payments across eleven supported blockchain networks efficiently.
According to a report, the system supports transactions as low as $0.000001. It targets applications such as API calls, data access, and computing services. These use cases rely on frequent and low-value payments. The design allows automated execution without manual approval.
Cross-Chain Support Expands Developer Access
Supported networks include Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, Sei, Sonic, Unichain, HyperEVM, and World Chain. This multi-chain support expands access for developers. It also ensures compatibility across ecosystems.
Circle stated that existing payment systems create limits for small transactions. Fixed fees often exceed the value of the payment. Blockchain networks also charge gas fees. In some cases, those fees are higher than the transaction itself.
The Nanopayments system removes per-transaction gas costs. It groups transactions off-chain before settlement. These grouped transactions are later processed on-chain in batches. This reduces cost pressure for developers. It also improves efficiency for repeated payments.
The system integrates the x402 open standard. It allows transactions without accounts or credit cards. A service request generates HTTP 402 payment instructions. This creates a structured payment flow for automated systems.
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Approval is signed by an agent with EIP-3009. This request is again resubmitted to be verified. The payment of Circle is verified by its API. Services are allowed to be provided in real-time. Final settlement then still takes place in batches.
Circle Gateway Powers Cross-Chain USDC
The system has instant verification services. Merchants are able to validate payments prior to settlement. This enables the delivery of goods or services immediately. It eliminates the possibility of waiting to get blockchain confirmation.
Circle highlighted an early example involving an autonomous robot dog. The machine paid with Nanopayments to recharge itself in USDC. This demonstrates how automated systems are able to process payments directly.
The network is operated on Circle Gateway. It offers a single USDC balance between supported networks. Funds can be deposited in a smart contract by developers. It takes less than 500 milliseconds to access liquidity across chains.
The system handles large-scale transactions with synchronized balances. It facilitates frequent payment transactions. This design is compatible with machines and automated processes.
The launch comes as the stablecoin market exceeds $321 billion in total capitalization. The second-largest stablecoin is USDC, which circulates approximately $77 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.
Circle defined Nanopayments as a machine-scale economy primitive payment. The system facilitates cross-platform transacting of applications and agents. It aims at facilitating the transfer of value within blockchain networks.
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