Franklin
The AI agent with a wallet — spends USDC autonomously to get real work done. Apache-2.0, TypeScript.
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What is Franklin?
Franklin is an open-source AI agent with a built-in wallet that can autonomously spend USDC to complete real-world tasks. Unlike traditional AI assistants that only write code or provide information, Franklin actually pays for services like web searches, image generation, video creation, music generation, and API calls using x402 micropayments on the Base or Solana blockchain.
Key features include access to 55+ AI models (including Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, DeepSeek, and NVIDIA's free models), tool usage for Polymarket/Kalshi prediction markets, crypto price data, DEX prices, web search, neural research via Exa, and AI content generation. Franklin uses a smart router to automatically select the best model for each task and pays per request with fractions of a cent per action.
Franklin is designed for developers, researchers, traders, and anyone building AI-powered workflows who wants pay-per-use pricing without subscriptions or API keys. It serves as an open-source alternative to Claude Code and Cursor, particularly for users who want to use multiple models in one session or need AI agents that can pay for their own resources.
Franklin pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Franklin uses pay-per-request pricing with no subscriptions or rate limits. Free NVIDIA models (Llama, Mistral, Qwen, DeepSeek) are available immediately with zero setup and no funding required. To unlock 55+ premium models (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, and more), fund a Base or Solana wallet with USDC - even $1 is enough for hundreds of actions. Pricing includes: web/news search ~$0.01, neural research (Exa) $0.01, Polymarket/Kalshi markets $0.001, DALL-E 3 and Flux image generation $0.02-0.08, AI video generation per second, AI music generation per track, GPT/Gemini/DeepSeek/chat per token, wallet balance/history free, Modal code execution per run. Every call is an x402 micropayment settled in USDC.
Franklin pros
- Open-source alternative to Claude Code and Cursor
- 55+ AI models including Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, DeepSeek
- Pay-per-request pricing with no subscriptions
- No API keys required - just fund a wallet
- Free NVIDIA models (Llama, Mistral, Qwen, DeepSeek) available immediately
- Zero rate limits on API calls
- Autonomous spending - agent pays for its own bills
- x402 micropayments settled in USDC on Base or Solana
- Smart router automatically selects best model for each task
- Built-in tools for Polymarket and Kalshi prediction markets
- AI image generation (DALL-E 3, Flux) at $0.02-0.08 per image
- AI video generation with synced sound
- AI music generation for scoring videos
- Web search and news search for ~$0.01 per query
- Neural research via Exa for $0.01 per request
- Free crypto price data and DEX prices
- Wallet balance and history tracking built-in
- Can run code on Modal infrastructure
- Install as single npm package - simple setup
- $1 enough for hundreds of actions
Franklin cons
- Requires cryptocurrency knowledge to set up wallet
- Only accepts USDC on Base or Solana chains
- Premium models (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini) require funded wallet
- Video generation costs vary per second
- Music generation costs per track not clearly specified
- X/Twitter intelligence pricing per token unclear
- New platform with less ecosystem than established tools
- Micropayment model may be confusing for non-crypto users
Frequently asked questions about Franklin
What is Franklin?
Franklin is an open-source AI agent with a wallet - software with purchasing power that can autonomously spend USDC to get real work done. Unlike agents that only write code, Franklin actually buys services, generates images/video/music, searches the web, and accesses prediction markets by paying per request via x402 micropayments on Base or Solana.
How do I install Franklin?
Franklin is distributed as a single npm package. Install it globally by running 'npm install -g @blockrun/franklin', then type 'franklin' to start chatting. Free NVIDIA models are available immediately with zero setup - no API keys, no accounts, no config files needed.
Do I need to fund a wallet to use Franklin?
No, funding is optional. Free NVIDIA models (Llama, Mistral, Qwen, DeepSeek) are always available without funding. You only need to set up a wallet and send USDC if you want to unlock premium models like Claude, GPT-4, and Gemini, or use paid tools like image/video generation.
Which blockchain networks does Franklin support?
Franklin holds USDC on Base or Solana. To set up, run 'franklin setup base' which creates or imports a Base wallet and displays your deposit address. Send any amount of USDC on Base to get started.
How many AI models can I use with Franklin?
Franklin provides access to 55+ models including Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, DeepSeek, and NVIDIA's free models (Llama, Mistral, Qwen). You can use any model and switch mid-session, paying only for what you use with USDC.
What tools and capabilities does Franklin have?
Franklin includes tools for: web + news search, neural research (Exa), Polymarket and Kalshi prediction markets, X/Twitter intelligence, DEX prices, crypto price data, DALL-E 3 and Flux image generation, AI video generation, AI music generation, GPT/Gemini/DeepSeek chat, wallet balance & history, running code on Modal, and accessing the model catalog with pricing.
How is Franklin different from Claude Code or Cursor?
Franklin is open-source (others are not), supports 41-55+ models vs Claude-only or limited mixed models, uses pay-per-request pricing vs $200/mo or $20/mo + usage, accepts USDC instead of credit cards, has zero rate limits, and lets you switch models mid-session. It's the open-source alternative specifically designed for agents that can pay for themselves.
What is x402 and how does it work?
x402 is a standard that repurposes the HTTP status code '402 Payment Required' to incorporate payment requests into web workflows. When Franklin needs a paid resource, it receives a payment request, transfers USDC on Base to the designated address, and the service confirms payment to grant access. Every call is an x402 micropayment settled in USDC.
Can I use Franklin as a payment proxy for other tools?
Yes, Franklin supports proxy mode where you can use it as a payment proxy behind Claude Code. This allows you to leverage Franklin's wallet and micropayment system with other coding tools.
What happens if I give Franklin a budget and a task?
Franklin is a wallet-native economic agent - you give it a goal and a budget, and Franklin decides what model to call, what tools to use, and how to spend the money to achieve the result. For example, with $20 and a script, Franklin can buy the script, generate a storyboard, create an 8-second product ad with synced sound, and score it with an original 3-minute track, all autonomously.