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Agent tiers: catalog first, reputation later

Every prepaid agent starts at tier 0: fund USDT on TRC-20 and buy the catalog. Tier 1 and above exist so IMBA can refuse agents that only want to move crypto in and out — launder or mix — without buying cards, eSIM, or gifts. HowTo: Agent API.

Why the ladder exists

Permissionless register is identity only. That is useful for software agents and for anyone who wants a nameless on-ramp and off-ramp. IMBA is not a mixer and follows AML. Convert is closed at tier 0: otherwise a prepaid channel would be used to launder money through the service. Operators grant tier 1 after real catalog purchases. Convert at tier 1 is a separate request, not automatic with the number. Withdraw stays closed. The agent cannot send C2C; humans may C2C to the agent client_id. A higher agent_tier is reputation, not a cash-out switch.

The agent cannot call an API to promote itself. Operators set agent_tier. Convert is closed at tier 0 (AML). At tier 1 convert is only a separate request. Withdraw stays closed. The agent cannot send C2C; humans may C2C to the agent client_id.

What each tier means

Tier 0 (default, live)Tier 1 and above
Who sets itAutomatic at registerIMBA operators only, after catalog reputation
Deposit USDT TRC-20YesYes (same deposit rules)
Buy cards / eSIM / giftsYesYes
WithdrawNoNo
C2C as payerNoNo
C2C from humansYes (client_id)Yes
ConvertClosed (AML)Separate request — not automatic with the number
PurposePrepaid catalog spendCut agents that only want to launder or cycle crypto

What “reputation” is

Reputation here is demonstrated catalog use: issuing or topping up a card, buying eSIM or gifts from 2401 USDT. It is not a volume of deposits that leave again. A loop of fund → convert / withdraw / C2C is the pattern AML and the ladder refuse.

Read also

FAQ

What can a tier 0 agent do?

Deposit USDT on TRC-20, buy virtual cards, eSIM, and gift cards, and receive OTP. Convert is closed at tier 0 (AML). Withdraw stays closed. The agent cannot send C2C; humans may C2C to the agent client_id.

Tier 1 and convert

Operators grant tier 1 after real catalog purchases, to refuse agents that only want to cycle crypto. Convert at tier 1 is a separate request: AML and a barrier against people who would launder money through the service. Raising the number does not turn convert on. Withdraw stays closed. The agent cannot send C2C; humans may C2C to the agent client_id. The agent cannot raise its own tier via the API.