Check Payment
check_paymentInspect an HTTPS URL for a live x402 402 challenge without sending payment.
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes |
check_paymentInspect an HTTPS URL for a live x402 402 challenge without sending payment.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already cover read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds valuable behavioral specifics: it performs a live inspection of a URL, targets x402 challenges, and explicitly avoids sending payment. It does not detail network behavior or response characteristics, but the annotation coverage lowers the burden.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence with no filler. Every word contributes meaning: 'inspect,' 'HTTPS URL,' 'live x402 402 challenge,' and 'without sending payment' all add operational value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a low-complexity, one-parameter read-only tool, the description covers the essential context: what URL to provide, what to check for, and what side effects are intentionally avoided. It does not explicitly describe the return value, but the absence of an output schema is mitigated by the simplicity of the operation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema only defines 'url' as a string with length constraints, and schema description coverage is 0%. The description compensates by specifying that the URL must be an HTTPS URL and that it is inspected for a live x402 challenge. For a single simple parameter this is sufficient semantic guidance.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states a specific action: inspecting an HTTPS URL for a live x402 402 challenge. It also adds the key differentiator 'without sending payment,' which separates it from payment execution tools and clarifies its scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description makes the intended use clear: check whether a URL currently presents an x402 challenge before any payment is sent. It does not explicitly name sibling tools or give when-not-to-use conditions, but the context is specific enough for an agent to understand when this check is appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Each tool targets a distinct concern: inspecting a live challenge, checking authority status, listing paid APIs, and returning payment network info. There is no meaningful overlap between the tool purposes.
check_payment, check_status, and list_paid_apis follow a clean verb_noun pattern. payment_info is the one exception, using a noun phrase instead, which is a minor but noticeable deviation.
Four tools is a well-scoped count for a read-only payment helper. Each tool covers a distinct piece of functionality without redundancy or unnecessary bloat.
The set covers the core read-only workflow: discover paid APIs, get payment details, verify authority health, and inspect live challenges. It intentionally avoids spending, and the only minor gap is deeper per-endpoint payment requirement details beyond the OpenAPI listing.