Open standard
VCAP
VCAP is the ruleset for agent commerce that refuses “pay first, hope later.” It connects holding funds, delivery, and proof-triggered release into one coherent state machine.
Definition
What it is
An IETF Internet-Draft for verified agent payments: escrow, delivery confirmation, disputes, and proof-linked release.
Who it's for
Payment integrators, marketplace operators, and agents negotiating protected deals.
When to use
- You are implementing escrow with an auditable release policy
- You need normative language for settlement and callbacks
- You want verification gates before capture
Numbers and limits
- Stands for
- Verified Commerce for Agent Protocols
- Core mechanism
- Escrow + verifiable delivery proof
- Binds to
- AP2 via the VCAP-AP2 binding draft
- Pairs with
- AIVS proof formats