bolthub Documentation
Monetize any API with Lightning micropayments using the L402 protocol.
Welcome to bolthub
bolthub is a non-custodial payment gateway that lets you put any HTTP API behind Lightning Network micropayments using the L402 protocol. Clients pay per-request with Bitcoin Lightning, with no API keys, no accounts, and no signup required.
For API consumers
- MCP Registry: one config, every API; the recommended way to connect AI agents
- MCP Bridge: connect an AI agent to a specific paywalled API via MCP
- CLI: search, explore, and call APIs from the terminal
- Using Paywalled APIs: step-by-step guide to calling L402-gated endpoints
- Wallet Setup: choose and configure a Lightning wallet
- TypeScript SDK:
@bolthub/agentfor automated L402 payments - Python SDK:
bolthubpip package
For API providers
- Publishing Your API: make your API discoverable
- Directory API: JSON discovery API (powers the API Hub)
- Security: how bolthub protects your data and credentials
Key concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| L402 | HTTP 402 Payment Required + Lightning invoice + macaroon-based auth |
| Non-custodial | Payments flow directly to the provider's wallet; bolthub never holds funds. Consumers can pay with any Lightning wallet. |
| Gateway | Reverse proxy at {slug}.gw.bolthub.ai that handles payment verification |
| Pricing models | per_request, per_kb, token_bucket, time_pass, metered |