Skim402
Fetch clean article text for agent research loops with per-call USDC on Base instead of juggling scraper API keys.
Overview
Skim402 is an Idea-phase MCP server that provides clean web reading for agents with $0.002 USDC per call on Base via x402 and no API keys.
What is this MCP server?
- skim-mcp npm stdio package (v0.1.4) returns clean web reader output for agents
- Pay-as-you-go $0.002 per call in USDC on Base via x402—no traditional API keys
- Requires SKIM_WALLET_PRIVATE_KEY (0x-prefixed 64 hex) funded with USDC on Base
- Optional SKIM_MAX_PRICE_USD cap (default 0.01) rejects overpriced calls without payment
- Useful for idea-phase competitive and market reading without maintaining scrapers
- Version 0.1.4
- Documented price $0.002 per call in USDC on Base
- Default SKIM_MAX_PRICE_USD 0.01 when configured
What problem does it solve?
Agent research stalls when every article is ads and clutter, and traditional reader APIs mean another key, bill, and scraper to maintain.
Who is it for?
Solo builders doing frequent web research who already use MCP agents and are comfortable holding a small USDC balance on Base.
Skip if: Teams that cannot use crypto micropayments, need fully free unlimited scraping, or require logged-in paywalled account sessions.
What do I get? / Deliverables
After you fund a Base USDC wallet and register skim-mcp, your agent gets readable page text with predictable per-call pricing.
- Agent-accessible clean web reader tool calls
- Per-call USDC settlement on Base without API key onboarding
- Price-bounded requests when SKIM_MAX_PRICE_USD is set (default 0.01)
Recommended MCP Servers
Journey fit
Readable web extraction sits earliest in the journey when you are gathering sources, competitive notes, and evidence before you commit to a build. Research subphase covers turning noisy pages into agent-friendly text for summaries, citations, and validation briefs.
How it compares
Paid clean-reader MCP over x402, not a free self-hosted scraper skill or desktop browser automation server.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is Skim402 for?
It is for indie builders and researchers using MCP agents who want clean article text without managing separate reader API keys.
When should I use Skim402?
Use it during idea and research work when you need fast, readable web content for summaries, competitive notes, or validation evidence.
How do I add Skim402 to my agent?
Run the skim-mcp npm stdio server, set SKIM_WALLET_PRIVATE_KEY, fund USDC on Base, optionally set SKIM_MAX_PRICE_USD, and add the server to your MCP client config.