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# **RecurChain – Project Documentation**
*Autonomous Recurring Payments Powered by USDC on Base*
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## **Overview**
**RecurChain** is an autonomous payments system that allows users to automate recurring realworld payments like rent, school fees, utilities, subscriptions, and donations in **USDC (USD Coin)** on the **Base** blockchain. Users deposit USDC into their smart account, set up a payment schedule, and RecurChain’s agent handles the payment each cycle without manual intervention.
RecurChain generates revenue by charging a **small transaction fee per automated payment**, offering paid subscription tiers (e.g., unlimited payments for Pro or Business users), and taking a **small margin when converting USDC to local currencies (e.g., Naira)** via on‑ramp/off‑ramp partners.
Even if the final recipient only accepts **Naira (₦)**, RecurChain integrates with trusted payout partners (“exchangers”) who convert USDC to Naira and send the funds via bank transfer — ensuring payments go through correctly while maintaining an onchain record of every transaction.
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## **Why USDC? (And Not USDT or Others)**
| Feature | USDC | USDT |
| --------------------------------------- | ----- | ---------------------- |
| **Highly regulated** | ✅ Yes | ❌ Less transparent |
| **1:1 redeemable for 1 U.S. Dollar** | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes uncertain |
| **High institutional trust** | Yes | Medium |
| **Native to Base / Coinbase ecosystem** | Yes | No |
| **Audit-friendly / transparent** | Yes | No |
**Why RecurChain uses USDC:**
USDC offers stability, regulatory trust, and onchain transparency. Base is closely aligned with Coinbase, making USDC a native, well-supported stablecoin. This choice minimizes user risk and supports reliable recurring payments.
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## **Vision**
To be the leading decentralized agent-based platform for automating recurring payments, using stablecoins to bring real-world financial activities onchain, with transparency and ease.
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## **Mission**
* Automate real-world recurring financial commitments
* Provide fully autonomous, trustless payment execution
* Offer transparent and auditable payment logs
* Serve users globally, including those who receive only local fiat
* Build consistent, high-utility transactions on Base
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## **Key Objectives**
* Deliver **zero-touch payment automation**
* Maintain **full onchain proof** for every payment
* Support **fiat payouts** for local-currency-only recipients
* Simplify the user experience with Privy onboarding
* Drive stable USDC volume and network usage on Base
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## **Core Features**
### **1. Privy Login (Walletless Onboarding)**
**Privy** = Web3 auth + embedded wallet
* Users sign up with Google, GitHub, or Email
* Privy automatically creates a smart account (wallet) for them
* No need for users to manage private keys or sign transactions
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### **2. Smart Account (AA – Account Abstraction)**
**AA** = Account Abstraction
* Abstracts wallet logic into a contract
* Users don’t approve every transaction manually
* Allows session keys and gas sponsorship
* Enables agents to act autonomously & securely
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### **3. USDC Deposit Layer**
* Users can deposit USDC from their external wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet)
* Or via on‑ramp services that support USDC
* Funds go into their smart account for recurring payments
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### **4. Recurring Payment Agent**
* Agent monitors scheduled payments
* On payment date: agent triggers USDC transfer
* Agent sends notification (email / app)
* Agent logs transaction onchain
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### **5. Local Currency (₦) Payout Layer**
* If recipient only accepts Naira:
1. Agent sends USDC to a trusted on/off‑ramp partner
2. Partner converts USDC → Naira
3. Partner transfers Naira via bank (NIP or local payment)
* A receipt is generated showing both onchain payment + payout
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### **6. Transaction History & Receipts**
* **Onchain receipt:** TX hash, amount, timestamp
* **Offchain proof:** Bank details, Naira amount, exchange rate
* **Shareable receipt:** PDF or viewable link for school, landlord, or employer
* **Audit log:** Complete record for users or admin
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### **7. Dashboard / User Interface**
* Add, edit, or delete recurring payments
* Pause or resume automation
* Change amount, schedule, or recipient
* View payment history and upcoming payments
* Download receipts
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## **User Workflow**
1. **Sign Up (Privy)**
* User signs up using Email / Google / GitHub
* Privy creates a smart account (AA) behind the scenes
2. **Profile Setup**
* Fill out user info and preferred bank (for Naira payouts)
3. **Deposit USDC**
* Send USDC from external wallet or buy via on‑ramp
* Balance shows up in smart account
4. **Configure Recurring Payment**
* Choose bill type (Rent, School, etc.)
* Enter amount, frequency, recipient crypto address or bank account
* Optionally set a monthly cap or first payment date
5. **Agent Activation**
* Agent is deployed with session keys
* Runs autonomously per schedule
6. **Payment Execution**
* Agent checks balance
* Sends USDC onchain if crypto address
* If bank: sends to exchanger, payouts in Naira, logs proof
7. **Receipt & History**
* Onchain transaction logged
* Offchain proof for Naira payments
* Shareable receipt link / PDF
8. **Monitoring & Management**
* User views payment history and upcoming bills
* User can pause or modify agent
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## **Technology Stack**
**Frontend**
* Next.js
* React
* TypeScript
* Tailwind CSS
* Framer Motion
**Backend**
* Node.js
* Express.js
* REST API
* Worker / Scheduler (BullMQ or cron)
**Blockchain**
* Base Network (Layer 2)
* USDC (stablecoin)
* Smart Accounts via Account Abstraction (ERC‑4337 or equivalent)
* Session Keys & Gas Sponsor (Paymaster)
**Authentication**
* Privy (Email / Google / GH login + embedded wallet)
**Cash‑Out / Payout Partners**
* On/off‑ramp providers with API (for USDC ↔ Naira)
* Bank transfers via NIP (Nigeria InterBank Payment) or similar systems
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## **Edge Cases & Solutions**
| Edge Case | Problem | Solution |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Low USDC balance** | Agent can’t complete a payment | Pause agent, notify user, option to auto-top-up if enabled |
| **Recipient requires Naira** | Vendor doesn’t accept crypto | Use verified converter to payout in Naira |
| **High FX volatility** | Conversion rate risk | Capture rate at time of payment; allow user set tolerance |
| **Incorrect bank details** | Payout fails or sent incorrectly | Validate and verify account before first run |
| **Failed payout** | Exchanger or bank fails | Retry logic with fallback provider; notify user |
| **Gas surge / network issues** | Onchain send fails | Use paymaster or multi-relayer strategy |
| **Schedule mismatch / timezone** | Payment fires at wrong time | Respect user timezone in scheduling; show local dates |
| **Duplicate or double payments** | Same job runs twice | Idempotency keys; smart contract checks to prevent double-spend |
| **Fraudulent setup** | Unauthorized bills | KYC or verification for payees; secure onboarding flow via Privy |
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## **Revenue Model**
* **Per Payment Transaction Fee:** A small USDC fee every time the agent pays something
* **Subscription Tiers**
* **Basic**: Limited number of recurring payments
* **Pro**: Unlimited payments + priority support
* **Enterprise**: For large payers — schools, landlords, cooperatives
* **Cash-Out Commission:** Small margin when converting USDC → Naira during payouts
* **Partner Integrations:** Provide APIs for institutions (schools, churches) for recurring billing
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## **Future Enhancements**
* AI-powered “Spending Advisor” that suggests optimal payment splits
* Auto top-up: When balance is low, agent triggers a buy from on‑ramp
* Multi-currency support (other stablecoins or fiat)
* International payout support (Naira, Cedi, etc.)
* Salary distribution or payroll agent for SMB
* Business invoicing and automated payment reminders
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## **Security & Compliance**
* **Privy Authentication:** Walletless login, embedded smart wallets
* **Session Keys:** Limited permissions for recurring agents
* **Gas Sponsorship:** Use paymaster to sponsor gas securely
* **Secrets Management:** Use vault or environment secrets; no private key leaks
* **Audit Logs:** Every transaction, conversion, and agent action is recorded
* **KYC/AML**: Use for payout partners to comply with local regulations
* **Encryption:** Personal data encrypted at rest and in transit
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## **License**
Licensed under **MIT**. Open for modification and reuse with attribution.
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## **Competitors**
Here are a few competitors / related services in the recurring payments + stablecoin + blockchain space:
* **Cybrid** — Infrastructure for stablecoin payments and automated financial operations
* **Skyfire** — AI-driven payment and agent automation platform
* **Stripe (Crypto Subscriptions)** — Stripe supports stablecoin subscriptions and payments
* **Reap** — Fintech for businesses, offering stablecoin tools among its product suite
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## **Contact**
**Project Lead:** Clement Raymond
📧 [chinexzy37@gmail.com](mailto:chinexzy37@gmail.com)
🐦 Twitter: @phantomofcode
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