Facts checked on 23 September 2026
Exchange rate API alternatives
How Rate-API compares with Open Exchange Rates, using each provider’s own published plans. Every comparison says where the other API is the better choice, and shows how to move your requests across if you switch.
Free plans and entry prices
Figures come from each provider’s website and documentation. Open a comparison for the full table, paid plans and sources.
| API | Free requests a month | Free plan updates | Free: choose base | Free: history | Cheapest paid plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate-API | 2,500 | Sources are checked every hour on every plan. The ECB reference rates behind the major currencies are published once per working day | Yes, with ?base= | No (Pro and up) | Pro: $10/month or $100/year, 40,000 requests |
| Open Exchange Rates | 1,000 | Hourly | No (USD only) | Yes (daily historical data) | Developer: $12/month or $120/year, 10,000 requests |
Side-by-side comparisons
Rate-API vs Open Exchange Rates
A rates API running since 2011 with a USD-only free plan of 1,000 requests, history back to 1999 and an Unlimited plan with 5-minute updates.
Open Exchange Rates alternativeTry Rate-API free
Create an account and get a key in a minute. The Free plan needs no card.
Product names are trademarks of their owners. These pages are not affiliated with any of them. Plans and prices change, so check each provider’s own pages before you decide.