> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://aethernetwork.gitbook.io/aethernetwork-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://aethernetwork.gitbook.io/aethernetwork-docs/core-features/aether-pay.md). # Aether Pay Aether Pay is the programmable settlement layer of the Aether Network, enabling value to move automatically and intelligently on-chain. Instead of users manually sending transactions or relying on centralized payment processors, value transfer becomes embedded directly into smart contracts. This allows payments to execute on rules, conditions, or triggers — not human intervention. Aether Pay supports cross-chain payment flows, allowing users and applications to send or receive funds across multiple blockchain networks seamlessly. This ensures that value movement is not restricted to a single chain, and unlocks a future where users can transact across ecosystems without switching wallets, bridges, or infrastructure. Beyond simple transfers, Aether Pay enables continuous value streaming — where users can pay per second, per block, or per event. This supports new business models such as pay-per-use software, streaming salaries, real-time creator monetization, automated billing, and granular micro-commerce. Payments become fluid, not batch-based. Aether Pay also enables subscription payments and conditional logic such as “pay only if X condition is met.” This means contracts can automatically settle based on outcomes, milestones, performance metrics, or identity checks. The result is a financial system where settlement becomes an automatic state update — not a manual act. By turning payments into code, Aether Pay transforms how money moves in Web3. Payments become trustless, continuous, cross-chain, event-driven, and interoperable with identity and custody primitives. Financial automation becomes natively possible — allowing smart contracts, protocols, and applications to transact with each other autonomously, securely, and at internet speed. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://aethernetwork.gitbook.io/aethernetwork-docs/core-features/aether-pay.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.