Automation ✓ Tested with aipp

Paid n8n Workflow

Gate n8n automation executions behind Lightning or USDC payment verification.

Target Audience: Automation engineers, n8n agency builders, no-code creators, and workflow developers.

The Real Problem

n8n workflow creators and automation agencies want to charge users per workflow execution (e.g. per report, lead enrichment, or data processing job), but embedding complex checkout flows inside webhook triggers requires custom DB tables and manual logic.

Real-World Example: For example, an n8n workflow for lead enrichment or PDF report creation can process input data after an HTTP 402 payment is verified.

How aipp Solves It

aipp provides an n8n monetization workflow pattern. Your n8n webhook trigger receives an incoming payload, queries aipp to check payment status (/invoice/status/:hash), and if unpaid, returns an HTTP 402 response with your Smart Tag link. When settled, execution proceeds.

Step-by-Step Payment Flow

STEP 01 Webhook Triggered User or script posts data to n8n Webhook node.

STEP 02 Payment Check n8n HTTP Request node queries aipp invoice status.

STEP 03 HTTP 402 Challenge If unpaid, n8n responds HTTP 402 with aipp checkout link.

STEP 04 Workflow Executes Once payment status = settled, n8n runs automation and returns result.

Scope & Boundaries

What aipp Does

✓ Provides machine-readable invoice verification endpoint for n8n nodes
✓ Generates payment pages for human workflow triggers
✓ Auto-forwards net merchant proceeds to your specified wallet

What aipp Does Not Do

✗ Does not host your n8n server or store your n8n workflow credentials
✗ Does not require maintaining a manual withdrawal balance

Implementation Pattern

Below is the minimal implementation pattern using standard aipp endpoints / SDK:

{
  "nodes": [
    {
      "name": "Check aipp Settlement",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest",
      "parameters": {
        "url": "=https://aipp.dev/invoice/status/{{ $json.payment_hash }}",
        "method": "GET"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Settlement Architecture Note:
• Lightning Rail: In hosted Lightning flows, payments route through aipp's Lightning gateway before net proceeds are automatically forwarded to your configured wallet address.
• Base USDC Rail: USDC transfers settle directly on-chain to your designated EVM wallet address.
• No Merchant Spending Balance: aipp does not maintain a spendable merchant balance or require manual withdrawal steps.

Requirements & Limitations

aipp does not host or execute n8n engine itself; it provides the payment verification layer
n8n workflow must use the HTTP Response node to return 402 headers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get the n8n workflow template?

You can copy the ready-to-import JSON blueprint directly from the aipp open-source repository (examples/n8n_aipp_monetization_workflow.json).

Related Use Cases

APIs & Developers Pay per API Call Charge per HTTP request using L402 or Base USDC HTTP 402 challenge headers. Automation Webhook-Triggered Service Charge per incoming webhook event or serverless task trigger. Content & Digital Goods Paid Report & Document Generation Sell automated PDF reports, SEO audits, and company analyses on demand.

Implement Paid n8n Workflow with aipp

Read the developer documentation or generate your API key to gate requests behind Lightning and Base USDC payments.

View Developer Docs → Open Studio Console