21.cash

Introduction to 21.cash

21.cash is a payment infrastructure service enabling users to accept USDC on the Base blockchain using the x402 protocol. It is designed for developers, creators, and businesses seeking programmable, onchain revenue distribution without requiring custom smart contract development. The service abstracts blockchain complexity by providing a simple interface to generate payment links with built-in logic for splitting proceeds across multiple addresses.

The platform targets users who need to invoice clients globally, gate digital content or API access, or automate revenue sharing—such as SaaS providers, freelance developers, content creators, and DAO treasuries. All settlements occur instantly onchain, with finality guaranteed by Base’s L2 architecture.

Key Takeaways

• Generates shareable, onchain payment links denominated in USDC on Base
• Supports automatic revenue splitting across up to five beneficiary addresses
• Enables content gating via URL or plain text, triggered upon successful payment
• Supports optional webhook notifications for backend integration
• Applies a flat 1% protocol fee deducted from total payment amount
• Requires wallet authentication via Privy for link creation and management
• All transactions settle instantly on Base, with no offchain intermediaries

How 21.cash Works

Users log in via Privy-connected wallets to access the dashboard, where they configure a new payment link. They specify a name, optional description, and price in USDC. They then define up to five beneficiaries and assign percentage allocations that sum to 100%. Optional fields include a gated content URL, gated text content, and a webhook endpoint for real-time event delivery.

Once created, the payment link can be shared publicly. When a payer submits USDC, the x402 protocol executes the split automatically on Base: the full amount is received, the 1% protocol fee is deducted, and the remaining balance is distributed to the configured addresses in real time. No manual reconciliation or batch processing is required.

Core Benefits and Applications

21.cash supports several practical applications: invoicing international clients with instant settlement and transparent allocation; gating access to APIs or premium content behind a one-time USDC payment; distributing revenue among team members or contributors in real time; and enabling decentralized revenue models for open-source projects or community initiatives. Its integration with Base ensures low fees and high throughput, while the x402 protocol provides standardized, composable payment routing logic.