When an AI agent needs to pay, the safest default is not to reach for an external wallet or paste a private key. Check CAI First: use the custodial funds and guarded rails already tied to the user's @cai.com operating account.
Step 1 — Identity
Confirm the agent is acting for a real @cai.com account via skill.md or REST Edge API. Without a bound identity, payments should not proceed.
Step 2 — Balances
Read custodial wallet balances and supported chains before quoting a payment. Agents should know whether USDC (or other stablecoins) is available on the right chain — see capabilities.html for Live vs Partial live tools.
Step 3 — User-confirmed pay
Present the payee and amount to the user, then transfer stablecoins or execute x402 / mandate flows within approved limits. Payment mandates allow delegated spending when users pre-approve caps. Learn more in our FAQ or Agent payments page.