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Our x402 Integration Is Live: Pay-Per-Call Access to Token Metrics—No API Key Required

Use your crypto wallet to call Token Metrics endpoints on demand. Pay per call with USDC or get a 10% discount with TMAI. No monthly subscriptions, no API keys, just headers and code.
Token Metrics Team
7 min read
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Developers are already shipping with x402 at scale: 450,000+ weekly transactions, 700+ projects. This momentum is why our Token Metrics x402 integration matters for agents and apps that need real crypto intelligence on demand. You can now pay per API call using HTTP 402 and the x-coinbase-402 header, no API key required.

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Summary: Pay per API call to Token Metrics with x402 on Base using USDC or TMAI, set x-coinbase-402: true, and get instant access to trading signals, grades, and AI reports.

Check out the x402 ecosystem on Coingecko.

  

What You Get

Token Metrics now supports x402, the HTTP-native payment protocol from Coinbase. Users can call any public endpoint by paying per request with a wallet, eliminating API key management and upfront subscriptions. This makes Token Metrics data instantly accessible to AI agents, researchers, and developers who want on-demand crypto intelligence.

x402 enables truly flexible access where you pay only for what you use, with transparent per-call pricing in USDC or TMAI. The integration is live now across all Token Metrics public endpoints, from trading signals to AI reports. Here's everything you need to start calling Token Metrics with x402 today.

Quick Start

Get started with x402 + Token Metrics in three steps.

  1. Create a wallet client: Follow the x402 Quickstart for Buyers to set up a wallet client (Node.js with viem or Python with eth-account). Link: https://docs.cdp.coinbase.com/x402/docs/quickstart-buyers
  2. Set required headers: Add x-coinbase-402: true to any Token Metrics request. Optionally set x-payment-token: tmai for a 10% discount (defaults to usdc). Do not send x-api-key when using x402.
  3. Call any endpoint: Make a request to https://api.tokenmetrics.com/v2/[endpoint] with your wallet client. Payment happens automatically via x402 settlement.

That is it. Your wallet pays per call, and you get instant access to Token Metrics data with no subscription overhead.

Required Headers

  

Endpoint Pricing

Transparent per-call pricing across all Token Metrics public endpoints. Pay in USDC or get 10% off with TMAI.

  

  

  

  

All prices are per single call. Paying with TMAI automatically applies a 10% discount.

Try It on x402 Composer

If you want to see x402 + Token Metrics in action without writing code, head to x402 Composer. Composer is x402scan's playground for AI agents that pay per tool call. You can open a Token Metrics agent, chat with it, and watch real tool calls and USDC/TMAI settlements stream into the live Feed.

Composer surfaces active agents using Token Metrics endpoints like trading signals, price predictions, and AI reports. It is a great way to explore what is possible before you build your own integration. Link: https://x402scan.com/composer

Why x402 Changes the Game

Traditional API access requires upfront subscriptions, fixed rate limits, and key management overhead. x402 flips that model by letting you pay per call with a crypto wallet, with no API keys or monthly commitments. This is especially powerful for AI agents, which need flexible, on-demand access to external data without human intervention.

For Token Metrics, x402 unlocks agentic commerce where agents can autonomously pull crypto intelligence, pay only for what they use, and compose our endpoints with other x402-enabled tools like Heurist Mesh, Tavily, and Firecrawl. It is HTTP-native payments meeting real-world agent workflows.

What is x402?

x402 is an open-source HTTP-native payment protocol developed by Coinbase. It uses the HTTP 402 status code (Payment Required) to enable pay-per-request access to APIs and services. When you make a request with the x-coinbase-402 header, the server returns a payment challenge, your wallet signs and submits payment, and the server fulfills the request once settlement is verified.

The protocol runs on Base and Solana, with USDC and TMAI as the primary payment tokens. x402 is designed for composability, agents can chain multiple paid calls across different providers in a single workflow, paying each service directly without intermediaries. Learn more at the x402 Quickstart for Buyers: https://docs.cdp.coinbase.com/x402/docs/quickstart-buyers

FAQs

Do I need an API key to use x402 with Token Metrics?

No. When you set x-coinbase-402: true, your wallet signature replaces API key authentication. Do not send x-api-key in your requests.

Can I use x402 with a free trial or test wallet?

Yes, but you will need testnet USDC or TMAI on Base Sepolia (testnet) for development. Production calls require mainnet tokens.

How do I see my payment history?

Check x402scan for transaction logs and tool call history. Your wallet will also show outgoing USDC/TMAI transactions. Visit https://www.x402scan.com.

What happens if my wallet balance is too low?

The x402 client will return a payment failure before making the API call. Top up your wallet and retry.

Can I use x402 in production apps?

Yes. x402 is live on Base mainnet. Set appropriate spend limits and handle payment errors gracefully in your code.

Next Steps

Disclosure

Educational and informational purposes only. x402 involves crypto payments on public blockchains. Understand the risks, manage your wallet security, and test thoroughly before production use. Token Metrics does not provide financial advice.

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Token Metrics: AI-powered crypto research and ratings platform. We help investors make smarter decisions with unbiased Token Metrics Ratings, on-chain analytics, and editor-curated “Top 10” guides. Our platform distills thousands of data points into clear scores, trends, and alerts you can act on.
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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Research

How Do I Keep My Cryptocurrency Safe?

Token Metrics Team
8 min

The cryptocurrency market has created life-changing wealth for millions, but it has also attracted hackers, scammers, and bad actors. From exchange hacks to phishing scams and rug pulls, billions of dollars in crypto have been lost due to poor security practices.

If you’re serious about trading or investing in crypto, one of your top priorities should be keeping your cryptocurrency safe. In this guide, we’ll walk through the biggest risks to your crypto security, best practices to protect your assets, and how Token Metrics can help you make informed, safe decisions when navigating the crypto market.

Why Is Cryptocurrency Security So Important?

Unlike a traditional bank account, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. If your funds are stolen, there’s usually no way to recover them.

  • No centralized authority: There’s no bank to call for refunds.
  • Pseudonymous transactions: It’s nearly impossible to trace funds once they’re moved.
  • High-value targets: Hackers actively target crypto investors due to the potential for large payoffs.

This means you are your own bank—and you’re responsible for protecting your funds.

Common Threats to Your Cryptocurrency

Before learning how to protect your crypto, you need to know what you’re up against:

1. Exchange Hacks

Crypto exchanges are frequent targets for hackers. Even top-tier exchanges like Mt. Gox and FTX have experienced devastating losses.

2. Phishing Attacks

Scammers use fake websites, emails, or social media accounts to trick you into revealing your private keys or login credentials.

3. Malware & Keyloggers

Cybercriminals install malicious software on your devices to steal passwords and seed phrases.

4. Rug Pulls & Scams

Fraudulent projects lure investors with promises of high returns, then disappear with the funds.

5. Human Error

Lost passwords, mishandled private keys, or accidental transfers can lead to permanent loss of funds.

How to Keep Your Cryptocurrency Safe

Here’s a step-by-step approach to safeguarding your crypto:

1. Use a Secure Wallet

Hardware Wallets:

  • The safest option for long-term storage.
  • Devices like Ledger or Trezor keep your private keys offline, out of reach of hackers.

Software Wallets:

  • Convenient for active trading but more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Use reputable wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet and enable strong security features.

Pro Tip: Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings and a software wallet for small, active trading balances.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Always enable 2FA on your exchange accounts, wallets, and email addresses.

  • Use Google Authenticator or Authy, not SMS-based 2FA, which is susceptible to SIM swaps.

3. Beware of Phishing & Fake Websites

  • Double-check URLs before logging into exchanges or wallets.
  • Never click links from suspicious emails or DMs.
  • Bookmark the official websites of your exchanges and platforms.

4. Keep Your Seed Phrase Offline

Your wallet’s seed phrase is the master key to your funds.

  • Write it down on paper and store it securely (safe, vault).
  • Avoid storing it in digital form (cloud storage, photos).
  • Consider splitting the phrase into parts and storing them in separate locations.

5. Research Projects Before Investing

Many scams and rug pulls target uninformed investors chasing hype.

How Token Metrics Helps:

  • Use AI-powered Investor Grades to assess projects for long-term viability.
  • Leverage Moonshot Finder to discover vetted early-stage tokens with real growth potential—not scams.

6. Diversify Your Storage

Don’t keep all your crypto in one place.

  • Use multiple wallets for different purposes (trading vs. holding).
  • Spread funds across hardware, software, and exchange wallets.

7. Stay Updated on Threats

The crypto landscape changes fast.

  • Follow credible crypto news platforms.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and security alerts.
  • Use Token Metrics to stay ahead of market narratives and avoid projects flagged as high-risk.

How Token Metrics Helps You Stay Secure

While Token Metrics isn’t a wallet or exchange, it’s a powerful AI-powered platform designed to help you make safer investment decisions.

1. AI-Powered Risk Analysis

Token Metrics uses AI-driven evaluations to score projects, helping you avoid high-risk tokens and scam projects.

2. Investor & Trader Grades

Our proprietary grading system helps you quickly identify safe, high-quality assets for both short-term trading and long-term holding.

3. Moonshot Finder

Interested in low-cap tokens? The Moonshot Finder helps you spot legitimate early-stage projects before they pump—without falling into scams.

4. Narrative & Market Tracking

Stay ahead of emerging narratives and security concerns with Token Metrics’ real-time AI-driven analysis, helping you dodge risky trends.

Practical Security Checklist for Every Crypto Holder

  1. Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings.
  2. Enable 2FA on all accounts—never rely on SMS-based security.
  3. Store seed phrases offline and securely.
  4. Avoid suspicious links and verify all URLs.
  5. Research every project using platforms like Token Metrics.
  6. Diversify storage across multiple wallets.
  7. Stay informed about new threats and market risks.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you keep your cryptocurrency safe? It comes down to strong storage practices, personal vigilance, and making informed investment decisions.

While hardware wallets and 2FA secure your assets, knowing where to invest is just as important. That’s where Token Metrics comes in—using AI-powered analysis to help you avoid scams, choose safe projects, and trade with confidence.

In crypto, you are your own bank—so take your security seriously. And with Token Metrics guiding your decisions, you can navigate this high-risk market safely and profitably.

Research

What Are Trading Fees and How Do They Work?

Token Metrics Team
8 min

If you’ve ever bought or sold cryptocurrency, you’ve likely noticed that exchanges charge trading fees. While these fees may seem small at first glance, they can add up significantly over time, especially for frequent traders.

Understanding how trading fees work is essential for maximizing your profits and choosing the right platform and strategy. In this guide, we’ll explain what trading fees are, how they’re calculated, the different types of fees, and how Token Metrics can help you minimize costs while optimizing your trades.

What Are Trading Fees?

Trading fees are charges imposed by cryptocurrency exchanges whenever you execute a trade—whether you’re buying, selling, or swapping digital assets.

  • Purpose:

    • They compensate exchanges for providing liquidity, security, and order-matching services.
    • They discourage spam orders that could overload the exchange.

Example:
If you buy $1,000 worth of Bitcoin with a 0.1% trading fee, you’ll pay $1 in fees for that transaction.

How Are Trading Fees Calculated?

Most crypto exchanges calculate fees based on:

  1. Trade Value (Percentage):

    • The most common model.
    • Fees are a percentage of the total trade amount (e.g., 0.1% per trade).

  2. Flat Fees:

    • Some platforms charge a fixed fee per trade, regardless of trade size.

  3. Tiered Fee Structures:

    • Frequent traders often benefit from lower fees when they reach certain monthly trading volumes.

Maker vs. Taker Fees

Many exchanges use a maker-taker model to incentivize liquidity:

  • Maker Fees:

    • You pay a lower fee (or sometimes nothing) when you add liquidity by placing a limit order that isn’t immediately matched.

  • Taker Fees:

    • You pay a higher fee when you remove liquidity by placing a market order that is filled instantly.

Example:
On Binance, makers might pay 0.08%, while takers pay 0.1%.

Types of Crypto Trading Fees

When trading crypto, you’ll encounter more than just trading fees:

1. Trading (Transaction) Fees

  • Charged when buying or selling crypto.
  • Often range from 0.05%–0.5% depending on the exchange.

2. Deposit Fees

  • Some exchanges charge when funding accounts via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfers.
  • Crypto deposits are typically free.

3. Withdrawal Fees

  • Charged when moving funds off the exchange.
  • Often fixed per withdrawal (e.g., 0.0005 BTC).

4. Network (Gas) Fees

  • Separate from exchange fees, paid to blockchain validators.
  • Ethereum and other networks can have high gas fees during peak demand.

Why Do Trading Fees Matter?

Even small fees can significantly impact your profits, especially if you trade often.

Example:

  • A day trader making 50 trades/month with a 0.1% fee per trade on $1,000 positions will pay $50/month in fees.
  • Over a year, that’s $600 lost to fees—before considering withdrawal or gas costs.

This is why reducing fees is crucial for active traders.

How to Minimize Trading Fees

1. Use Low-Fee Exchanges

Compare platforms—Binance, Bybit, and Kraken often offer competitive rates for high-volume traders.

2. Increase Your Trading Volume

Many exchanges lower fees as your monthly trading volume increases.

3. Use Limit Orders

Save on fees by acting as a maker instead of a taker whenever possible.

4. Pay with Exchange Tokens

Some exchanges offer discounts when fees are paid with their native token (e.g., BNB on Binance).

5. Optimize Your Trading Strategy with AI

Instead of making dozens of small trades, use data-driven insights from Token Metrics to make high-probability trades—reducing overall fee impact.

How Token Metrics Helps You Save on Fees

Token Metrics isn’t an exchange—it’s an AI-powered crypto research and trading platform designed to maximize your profits.

Here’s how it helps with trading fees:

1. AI-Powered Trade Optimization

Token Metrics provides bullish/bearish trading signals based on 80+ technical indicators, helping you enter fewer but higher-quality trades—minimizing unnecessary fees.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

Our proprietary grading system helps you identify top-performing cryptos, reducing guesswork and avoiding costly trial-and-error trading.

3. AI-Managed Indices

Instead of manually rebalancing portfolios (and paying multiple trading fees), use Token Metrics AI-driven crypto indices, which rebalance intelligently while keeping transaction costs low.

4. Narrative Tracking

Our AI detects emerging crypto narratives early, helping you position yourself before the market gets crowded—reducing the need for excessive short-term trading.

Practical Example: Using Token Metrics to Reduce Fees

Imagine you’re trading altcoins manually and make 20 trades/month.

  • At 0.2% per trade on $1,000 positions, you pay $40/month in fees.
  • With Token Metrics AI signals, you cut this down to 8 high-probability trades per month—reducing your fees by 60% while increasing win rates.

This is how data-driven trading saves both money and stress.

Final Thoughts

So, what are trading fees and how do they work? They’re the charges exchanges take for facilitating trades, withdrawals, and transactions—and while they may seem small, they can eat into your profits quickly.

The good news? You can minimize trading fees with the right strategies—and Token Metrics can help.

By providing AI-powered trading signals, long-term Investor Grades, and automated crypto indices, Token Metrics helps you reduce unnecessary trades, make smarter decisions, and maximize your returns—all while minimizing the impact of trading fees.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced trader, using Token Metrics means trading smarter, not harder.

Research

Should I Use Leverage When Trading Crypto?

Token Metrics Team
8 min

Leverage trading has become a hot topic in the crypto world. Many traders are attracted by the promise of amplified profits—but fail to realize it also magnifies losses. If you’ve been wondering, “Should I use leverage when trading crypto?” the short answer is: only if you fully understand the risks and have a solid strategy.

In this guide, we’ll break down what leverage trading is, how it works, its pros and cons, and how AI-powered tools like Token Metrics can help you make smarter decisions when trading with leverage.

What Is Leverage Trading in Crypto?

Leverage trading lets you borrow funds from an exchange to increase your position size, allowing you to control more capital than you actually own.

For example:

  • If you have $1,000 and use 10x leverage, you’re trading with $10,000.
  • A 10% price increase can give you a 100% profit on your original investment.
  • But a 10% price drop could wipe out your position completely.

Popular platforms like Binance, Bybit, and OKX offer leverage levels from 2x to 125x for certain assets.

Pros of Leverage Trading

Leverage isn’t all bad. When used responsibly, it offers several benefits:

1. Higher Profit Potential

Even small price movements can generate significant returns when using leverage.

2. Portfolio Efficiency

Traders can free up capital for other positions while maintaining large exposure in a leveraged trade.

3. Opportunities in Bear Markets

Leverage allows for short selling, enabling you to profit when prices go down.

Cons of Leverage Trading

The same factors that make leverage attractive also make it high-risk:

1. Amplified Losses

Just as leverage magnifies profits, it magnifies losses. A minor price drop could liquidate your entire position.

2. Liquidation Risk

When your collateral falls below a certain threshold, the exchange automatically closes your position, locking in your losses.

3. Emotional Stress

Leverage trading is fast-paced and stressful, often leading to panic selling or revenge trading after losses.

Should Beginners Use Leverage?

No.
If you’re new to trading, avoid leverage until you have:

  • A proven strategy with consistent results in spot trading.
  • Strong risk management skills (e.g., using stop-loss orders).
  • The ability to stay disciplined under pressure.

For beginners, leveraged trading can be a fast track to losing your capital.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Leverage?

For experienced traders, leverage can make sense when:

  • You’re hedging your portfolio against downside risk.
  • You have high conviction in a trade and want to maximize gains.
  • You’re trading high-liquidity assets like BTC or ETH with well-defined stop-losses.

How Token Metrics Helps You Trade Smarter with Leverage

Leverage trading requires precision, and that’s where Token Metrics gives you an edge.

1. AI-Powered Bullish & Bearish Signals

Identify high-probability trades with real-time AI signals based on 80+ technical indicators. This helps you avoid entering positions blindly.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

Use Trader Grades for short-term trading opportunities and Investor Grades for long-term positions—helping you decide when to scale up or reduce leverage.

3. Risk Assessment Tools

Token Metrics evaluates crypto projects and market trends to reduce exposure to high-risk assets—a must for leveraged positions.

4. AI-Driven Indices

Don’t want to trade manually? Use our AI-managed crypto indices to gain diversified exposure without taking unnecessary leveraged risks.

5. Narrative Detection

Our AI identifies emerging narratives before they hit mainstream attention, giving you a strategic edge in timing trades—crucial when using leverage.

Best Practices for Using Leverage in Crypto

If you decide to use leverage, follow these rules:

  1. Start Small: Use low leverage (2x–3x) instead of going all in at 20x or 50x.
  2. Set Stop-Loss Orders: Always predetermine your maximum loss tolerance.
  3. Trade Liquid Assets: Stick to high-volume coins like BTC and ETH to avoid slippage.
  4. Don’t Overtrade: Only use leverage on trades with strong conviction and proper analysis.
  5. Use AI Tools: Let Token Metrics guide your entries and exits with data-driven insights.

Why Overleveraging Is Dangerous

Many traders lose money by overleveraging, which leads to:

  • Margin calls and forced liquidations.
  • Revenge trading, where losses push traders into reckless decisions.
  • Complete portfolio wipeouts from one bad trade.

Pro Tip: Only trade with leverage on funds you can afford to lose.

Final Thoughts

So, should you use leverage when trading crypto?

For beginners, the answer is no—focus on mastering spot trading first. For experienced traders, leverage can be a powerful tool when used with strict risk management and data-driven insights.

That’s where Token Metrics makes a difference. With AI-powered trading signals, real-time risk analysis, and narrative tracking, Token Metrics helps you trade smarter, reduce emotional mistakes, and optimize your leverage strategy.

Leverage can make you or break you—so don’t go in blind. Use Token Metrics to guide your trades and stay ahead of the market.

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