> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mrdn.finance/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Build onchain applications with x402 payments and facilitator-based settlement

Meridian is a **layer built on top of Coinbase's infrastructure** that introduces **proxy facilitator architecture** for x402 payments. Unlike direct wallet-to-wallet transfers, Meridian routes payments through a facilitator that settles same-chain transfers immediately, tracks fees onchain, and supports cross-chain execution where needed.

### Key Innovation: Proxy Facilitator Architecture

**Traditional x402 (Coinbase):** Direct transfers from payer to recipient wallet

```
Payer Wallet → Recipient Wallet (immediate transfer)
```

**Meridian's Architecture:** Proxy facilitator settlement

```
Payer Wallet → Meridian Facilitator → Settlement / Bridge → Recipient
```

This enables:

* **Organization-scoped payment management** with multi-user access
* **Same-chain instant settlement** through the facilitator
* **Onchain fee accounting** for platform and treasury balances
* **Cross-chain routing** through Across when required
* **Enhanced security** with organization-scoped access control

## How x402 Works with Meridian

<img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/meridian-11ea0994/2brRoqqaERcL3h3-/images/sequence-diagram.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=2brRoqqaERcL3h3-&q=85&s=cae4653666ed47369719be72e609fa71" alt="Meridian x402 Payment Flow Sequence Diagram" width="4167" height="2917" data-path="images/sequence-diagram.jpg" />

<img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/meridian-11ea0994/2brRoqqaERcL3h3-/images/sequence-diagram.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=2brRoqqaERcL3h3-&q=85&s=cae4653666ed47369719be72e609fa71" alt="Meridian x402 Payment Flow Sequence Diagram" width="4167" height="2917" data-path="images/sequence-diagram.jpg" />

The sequence diagram above shows how Meridian implements the x402 payment protocol with facilitator-based settlement for secure, authenticated transactions.

## Build onchain apps

Use Meridian's backend and frontend suites of crypto payment services.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="x402 Payments" icon="dollar-sign" href="/payments/smart-contracts">
    Learn more about Meridian's x402 smart contracts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="terminal" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Complete API documentation for all endpoints.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Key Features

Everything you need to build secure payment applications with facilitator-based settlement and multichain execution.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Facilitator Settlement" icon="wallet">
    Proxy-mediated payment settlement with onchain accounting and relayed execution.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Built-in Fee Management" icon="percentage">
    Platform and treasury fee accounting handled inside the facilitator.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Organization Management" icon="building">
    Multi-user organizations with shared payment infrastructure.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Enhanced Security" icon="shield-check">
    Organization-scoped access control with API key management.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Resources

<Card title="GitHub Repository" icon="github" href="https://github.com/meridian-protocol/demo">
  Explore the codebase and contribute to Meridian's development.
</Card>