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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 Team
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Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

What Is a Bitcoin ETF? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min

The cryptocurrency world continues to evolve rapidly, and one of the most significant milestones in recent years has been the approval and rise of Bitcoin ETFs. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a Bitcoin ETF and why is it important?” — this guide breaks it down in simple terms.

In this highly informative blog, we’ll explore:

  • What a Bitcoin ETF is
  • Types of Bitcoin ETFs
  • Benefits and risks
  • Why Bitcoin ETFs matter for crypto adoption
  • How to analyze Bitcoin ETFs using Token Metrics tools

📈 What Is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a financial product that allows investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Bitcoin without having to own or manage actual Bitcoin.

Just like buying a stock, investors can purchase shares of a Bitcoin ETF through traditional brokerage accounts. These shares represent ownership in a fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin.

In essence, a Bitcoin ETF bridges the gap between traditional finance and crypto investing.

🔄 How Does a Bitcoin ETF Work?

Bitcoin ETFs are created and managed by large financial institutions or asset managers. These funds:

  1. Buy Bitcoin directly (in spot ETFs), or
  2. Invest in Bitcoin futures contracts (in futures ETFs)
  3. Issue ETF shares that track the price performance of Bitcoin

These shares are then listed on stock exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq, or CBOE, where they can be bought or sold just like regular stocks.

🔍 Types of Bitcoin ETFs

There are two main types of Bitcoin ETFs:

1. Spot Bitcoin ETFs

  • Hold actual Bitcoin in custody
  • Track the real-time market price of Bitcoin
  • Provide direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price
  • Approved in the U.S. starting in early 2024 (e.g., BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust)

2. Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

  • Track Bitcoin futures contracts (derivatives)
  • Do not hold actual Bitcoin
  • Subject to contango and tracking errors
  • Were the first type approved (e.g., ProShares BITO)

In 2025, spot ETFs are considered superior due to their more accurate and direct exposure.

✅ Benefits of Bitcoin ETFs

Bitcoin ETFs offer several key advantages:

1. Accessibility

Investors can buy Bitcoin exposure through traditional brokerage platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood—no need for crypto wallets or private keys.

2. Regulation and Security

ETFs are regulated by institutions like the SEC and are managed by trusted financial firms, offering greater transparency and investor protection.

3. Tax Efficiency

Buying and selling ETFs may provide more favorable tax treatment compared to transacting in physical Bitcoin directly.

4. Institutional Adoption

Bitcoin ETFs enable pension funds, hedge funds, and banks to legally and easily gain exposure to BTC. Inflows from these entities have driven billions into Bitcoin in 2024 and 2025.

⚠️ Risks of Bitcoin ETFs

Despite their benefits, Bitcoin ETFs come with a few risks:

1. Price Tracking Errors

Futures ETFs may deviate from Bitcoin’s spot price due to volatility and contract rollover costs.

2. Management Fees

ETF providers charge an annual fee (0.20%–1.00%), which can reduce long-term returns.

3. Lack of Custody Control

You don’t actually own Bitcoin when you hold an ETF—so you can’t transfer it or use it for DeFi or crypto payments.

4. Market Volatility

Bitcoin remains a highly volatile asset. ETF shares may still experience massive price swings.

🏛️ Why Bitcoin ETFs Matter in 2025

The approval and adoption of Bitcoin ETFs mark a turning point in mainstream crypto acceptance. Here’s why:

  • Over $60 billion has flowed into U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024
  • Institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest now actively manage Bitcoin exposure
  • Bitcoin ETF holdings reduce circulating supply, contributing to BTC’s price surge past $118,000 in mid-2025
  • Countries outside the U.S., including Canada and Hong Kong, are expanding their Bitcoin ETF offerings

🤖 How Token Metrics Helps You Analyze Bitcoin ETFs

While traditional investors focus on ETF tickers, smart crypto investors turn to platforms like Token Metrics to get deeper insights.

🔹 AI-Powered Bitcoin Forecasts

Token Metrics uses machine learning to predict short- and long-term Bitcoin price trends. As of June 28, the AI turned bullish, signaling BTC's breakout past $110,000.

🔹 Exchange Reserve Monitoring

The platform tracks Bitcoin’s exchange reserves, showing a drop from 3.25M to 2.55M BTC—a bullish signal due to reduced sell-side pressure.

🔹 ETF Flow Analysis

Token Metrics integrates on-chain data and fund inflows to measure:

  • How much BTC ETFs are buying
  • Impact on liquidity and price
  • Sentiment shifts among institutional investors

🔹 Alerts and Grades

You can set up custom price alerts for Bitcoin and receive Trader and Investor Grades based on 80+ real-time metrics.

These tools allow you to react faster than ETF investors relying on traditional media or quarterly reports.

📈 Bitcoin ETF Performance So Far

As of July 2025:

  • BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) holds over $18B in BTC
  • Fidelity’s ETF surpassed $12B in AUM
  • ETF buying pressure is one of the main drivers behind Bitcoin’s 2025 bull run

💡 Pro Tips Before Investing in a Bitcoin ETF

  1. Compare fees across ETFs (lower = better for long-term holdings)
  2. Choose spot ETFs over futures ETFs for more accurate performance
  3. Use Token Metrics to track BTC signals and time your entry
  4. Understand your goals—ETFs are great for passive exposure but not for on-chain crypto utility

🧠 Final Thoughts

A Bitcoin ETF is one of the easiest ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin in 2025. Whether you’re a traditional investor looking to diversify or a crypto-native looking for a regulated option, ETFs offer accessibility, safety, and legitimacy.

But don’t stop at just buying shares—pair your ETF exposure with real-time intelligence from Token Metrics.

With institutional momentum accelerating, regulatory clarity improving, and AI tools like Token Metrics giving you an edge, there’s never been a better time to understand and invest in Bitcoin ETFs.

Crypto Basics

Hot Wallets vs. Cold Wallets: What’s the Difference and Which Crypto Wallet To Use in 2025?

Token Metrics Team
8 min

As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates globally in 2025, one critical question for both beginners and experienced investors is: Where should you store your crypto assets safely?

The answer lies in understanding the difference between hot wallets and cold wallets — the two main categories of cryptocurrency storage. This highly informative and SEO-optimized blog will help you understand:

  • What hot and cold wallets are
  • Key differences between them
  • Pros and cons of each
  • Which one is right for you
  • How platforms like Token Metrics help you choose and manage your wallet securely

🔐 What Is a Cryptocurrency Wallet?

A crypto wallet stores your private and public keys, enabling you to send, receive, and manage digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins. Unlike traditional bank accounts, crypto wallets give you full control over your funds — but with that control comes the responsibility of securing them.

Wallets are typically categorized as:

  • Hot Wallets – connected to the internet
  • Cold Wallets – offline storage solutions

⚡ What Is a Hot Wallet?

A hot wallet is a crypto wallet that is connected to the internet. It’s designed for easy access and quick transactions, making it ideal for active traders and everyday use.

🔹 Examples of Hot Wallets:

  • Web wallets: MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Phantom, Rainbow
  • Desktop wallets: Exodus, Electrum
  • Mobile wallets: Coinbase Wallet, Atomic Wallet
  • Exchange wallets: Binance, Coinbase (custodial)

✅ Pros of Hot Wallets:

  • Instant access to crypto
  • User-friendly interfaces
  • Ideal for frequent trading or DeFi
  • Compatible with most crypto platforms

❌ Cons of Hot Wallets:

  • Vulnerable to hacks and phishing
  • Depends on internet connection
  • Risk of malware or keylogging
  • Not ideal for large holdings

Hot wallets are often recommended for storing smaller amounts of crypto for daily use.

🧊 What Is a Cold Wallet?

A cold wallet refers to any crypto wallet that is not connected to the internet. It’s a form of offline storage designed for maximum security.

🔹 Examples of Cold Wallets:

  • Hardware wallets: Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T
  • Paper wallets: Printed QR codes with private keys
  • Air-gapped computers: Devices permanently offline

✅ Pros of Cold Wallets:

  • Immune to online attacks
  • Long-term storage for HODLing
  • Control over private keys
  • Ideal for institutional and high-net-worth users

❌ Cons of Cold Wallets:

  • Less convenient for quick access
  • Physical loss or damage is a risk
  • Requires technical knowledge
  • More expensive (hardware wallets can cost $50–$200)

Cold wallets are ideal for long-term investors storing large amounts of crypto.

🔄 Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet: Key Differences

🔧 How to Use Hot and Cold Wallets Together (Hybrid Strategy)

Many crypto investors in 2025 use a dual-wallet strategy:

  • Hot wallet for trading, staking, and DeFi
  • Cold wallet for long-term storage and high-value assets

This balances convenience and security while minimizing exposure to threats.

For example:

  • Use a hot wallet like MetaMask to access the Token Metrics Moonshots tab and buy trending altcoins.
  • Transfer profits to your cold wallet (e.g., Ledger) for safekeeping.

🧠 How Token Metrics Helps You Manage Wallet Security

🔹 Wallet Integrations

Token Metrics supports:

  • MetaMask, WalletConnect, and other hot wallets
  • Portfolio tracking synced with your wallet
  • Real-time alerts when assets in your wallet are surging or at risk

🔹 Smart Trading with AI

Token Metrics helps reduce the need to frequently move funds by:

  • Identifying only high-quality tokens using AI Trader and Investor Grades
  • Sending price alerts, so you know when to buy/sell
  • Providing in-platform swap tools for direct trades from your hot wallet

🔹 Moonshot Monitoring

For early-stage altcoins, timing is everything. Token Metrics lets you:

  • Monitor your Moonshot investments
  • Get notified when to take profits or exit
  • Transfer to cold storage with a single click

🔒 Hot Wallet Security Tips (2025 Edition)

If you’re using a hot wallet:

  • Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
  • Use a hardware wallet to sign large transactions
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links or connecting to unknown dApps
  • Disconnect wallets after use

Always back up your seed phrase and store it securely offline.

💬 Which Wallet Should You Use?

🧩 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re storing $100 or $100,000 in cryptocurrency, your wallet choice directly impacts your security, accessibility, and peace of mind.

  • Hot wallets offer convenience, but must be used with caution
  • Cold wallets offer security, but come with trade-offs in usability
  • Platforms like Token Metrics bridge the gap by offering real-time insights, wallet integrations, and AI-driven trading tools

In 2025, don’t just store your crypto—store it wisely. Combine hot and cold wallet strategies and leverage tools like Token Metrics to build a secure, intelligent crypto portfolio.

Crypto Basics

How to Trade Cryptocurrency in 2025 – Best Crypto Trading Tools

Token Metrics Team
8 min

Cryptocurrency trading has rapidly evolved into a global financial movement. With the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), institutional adoption, and advanced AI tools, trading crypto in 2025 is more accessible—and more profitable—than ever before. But with great opportunity comes great risk, especially if you trade without strategy or insights.

In this highly informative beginner’s guide, we’ll break down how to trade cryptocurrency step by step, the different types of trading strategies, and how platforms like Token Metrics help you make smarter, AI-powered decisions.

🔍 What Is Cryptocurrency Trading?

Cryptocurrency trading involves buying and selling digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), or thousands of other tokens to profit from price fluctuations. Traders analyze price movements, market trends, and use technical or fundamental data to time their entries and exits.

Unlike traditional stock markets, crypto markets are:

  • Open 24/7
  • Highly volatile
  • Borderless and decentralized
  • Powered by blockchain technology

📊 Types of Cryptocurrency Trading

Understanding the different styles of trading can help you pick a strategy that fits your goals and risk tolerance.

1. Day Trading

  • Involves multiple trades in a single day
  • Aims to profit from short-term price swings
  • Requires constant monitoring and fast decision-making

2. Swing Trading

  • Positions are held for days or weeks
  • Based on momentum and trend reversal patterns
  • Suitable for part-time traders

3. Scalping

  • Ultra-short-term trading
  • Makes small profits on tiny price movements
  • High frequency, high risk

4. Position Trading

  • Long-term holding based on fundamentals
  • Traders buy during dips and hold until a large move
  • Also called "trend trading"

5. Automated Trading / AI Trading

  • Uses bots or AI models to execute trades
  • Ideal for those who want data-driven, emotion-free trading
  • Best when paired with platforms like Token Metrics

🧭 How to Trade Cryptocurrency: Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Choose a Crypto Exchange or Trading Platform

Select a reputable platform to execute trades. Popular choices in 2025 include:

  • Token Metrics (for AI-backed trade insights
  • Binance
  • Coinbase Pro
  • Kraken
  • OKX

Each platform offers different tools, liquidity, and trading pairs.

✅ Step 2: Fund Your Account

Deposit funds using:

  • Bank transfer
  • Debit/credit card
  • Stablecoins (USDT, USDC)
  • Crypto from your wallet

Token Metrics integrates wallet access, swap functionality, and DeFi bridges so you can trade directly from your dashboard.

✅ Step 3: Analyze the Market

Before you trade, analyze:

  • Price charts (technical analysis)
  • Volume and momentum
  • News and narratives
  • On-chain data and token grades

🔹 Token Metrics AI Grades:

  • Trader Grade: Measures short-term trading potential
  • Investor Grade: Rates long-term strength

These AI-generated scores help you find the most promising tokens, instantly filtering thousands of coins by risk and opportunity.

✅ Step 4: Place a Trade

Choose your trading pair (e.g., BTC/USDT), then:

  • Market order: Buy/sell immediately at current price
  • Limit order: Set your own buy/sell price
  • Stop-loss: Exit a trade automatically if price drops below a certain level
  • Take profit: Lock in gains once a target is hit

Token Metrics provides real-time buy/sell alerts powered by AI signals, helping you avoid emotional trading.

✅ Step 5: Monitor and Manage Your Trades

Check the performance of your portfolio regularly. Use tools like:

  • Live charts
  • Alerts for price and grade changes
  • Token Fundamentals: Developer activity, community growth, holders

Token Metrics simplifies this with its Token Details Page, offering everything from real-time ROI to whale tracking—all in one view.

✅ Step 6: Exit the Trade & Secure Profits

Sell your position when:

  • You hit your price target
  • A bearish trend begins
  • Token Metrics issues a bearish signal
  • Your risk tolerance is breached

You can transfer funds to a cold wallet or reinvest into new high-potential tokens (like those listed in the Moonshots tab on Token Metrics).

🤖 How Token Metrics Makes Crypto Trading Smarter

Trading is hard. But with Token Metrics AI tools, you can trade based on data, not emotions.

🔹 AI Price Predictions

  • Forecasted prices for thousands of tokens using machine learning
  • Built on 80+ on-chain, technical, sentiment, and fundamental metrics

🔹 Moonshot Finder

  • Discover early-stage altcoins with 10x–100x potential
  • See live ROI, entry date, trader grade changes, and volume shifts

🔹 Trade Alerts

  • Get notified when:

    • Tokens reach your target price
    • Bullish or bearish signals are triggered
    • AI grades update in real time

Alerts are sent via:

  • Telegram
  • Discord
  • Email
  • SMS

🔹 Real-Time Swap Widget

Trade directly on Token Metrics with one click. No need to leave the platform.

💡 Pro Tips for Successful Crypto Trading in 2025

  1. Use AI Tools: Let platforms like Token Metrics do the heavy lifting.
  2. Avoid FOMO: Just because a token is trending doesn’t mean it’s worth buying.
  3. Start Small: Don’t risk your entire capital in one trade.
  4. Keep Learning: Read market news, watch on-chain activity, and follow macro trends.
  5. Stay Safe: Use 2FA, trusted exchanges, and cold wallets.

📈 Top Crypto Trading Trends in 2025

  • AI-Driven Signal Trading
  • Copy Trading and Social Trading
  • Narrative-Based Investing (e.g., AI tokens, DePIN, L2s)
  • Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization
  • ETF-driven Institutional Trading

Platforms like Token Metrics sit at the center of these trends, offering users powerful AI infrastructure and deep crypto analytics.

✅ Final Thoughts

Trading cryptocurrency in 2025 is more rewarding—and more competitive—than ever. To succeed, you need:

  • A solid understanding of market dynamics
  • Reliable strategies and discipline
  • Smart tools that give you an edge

That’s where Token Metrics comes in.

Whether you’re day trading, swing trading, or investing long-term, Token Metrics gives you:

  • AI-driven token rankings
  • Real-time price alerts
  • Moonshot altcoin discoveries
  • Easy, integrated trading tools

Don’t just trade crypto—trade with intelligence.

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