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

# Payment Mode Comparison

> Side-by-side comparison of managed wallet mode, raw x402 mode, and free routes.

# Payment Mode Comparison

| Mode                  | Best for                          | Strengths                                            | Tradeoff                                                                 |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Managed wallet (USDC) | operator workflows                | easiest repeated paid-call flow, 2% platform fee     | less explicit than raw x402, and new wallets cannot currently be created |
| Raw x402 (USDC)       | protocol-level integrations       | maximum control over payment proofs, 2% platform fee | more implementation work                                                 |
| SEPA Direct Debit     | EU buyers needing bank settlement | euro IBAN settlement, no per-transaction Apiosk fee  | monthly subscription, T+1/T+2 settlement                                 |
| Free routes           | public access or demos            | no payment flow needed                               | no payment enforcement                                                   |

## Managed wallet

Use when:

* you already have a managed agent wallet
* repeated paid calls matter more than protocol-level control
* you want fast setup with less payment plumbing

<Warning>
  New managed (custodial) wallets cannot be created right now: the legacy dashboard service behind wallet key derivation was retired and creation returns `custodial_wallet_creation_unavailable`. Existing managed wallets keep settling calls and connect tokens can still be minted for them. If you have no managed wallet, use raw x402 mode or a local wallet from the stdio MCP package.
</Warning>

## Raw x402

Use when:

* you want direct payer control
* you need to prove the 402 -> proof -> retry loop explicitly
* you are integrating outside the managed wallet tooling

## SEPA Direct Debit

Use when:

* the buyer is an EU business that needs euro-denominated bank settlement
* a recurring B2B payment relationship under an IBAN mandate is preferable to on-chain settlement
* you prefer a monthly subscription with no per-transaction platform fee

Send `X-Apiosk-Rail: sepa` to pin the rail explicitly. Per-call debits are batched in the gateway's SEPA settlement ledger and reconciled by Mollie on the bank side.

## Free routes

Use when:

* the endpoint is intentionally public
* you are running a zero-friction demo route
* payment is not part of that operation

## Recommendation

For most operators, start with managed wallet mode (USDC). Use raw x402 when protocol control is the primary need. Use the SEPA rail when the buyer requires euro bank-side settlement.