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Binlist vs Plaid API

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIBinlistNEW—Plaid APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — no key (requires 'Accept-Version: 3' header)Free tier — API key required
Rate limitRate limited for unauthenticated use; exact limit unpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Binlist vs Plaid API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Binlist or Plaid API?

On our scheduled checks, Plaid API leads on measured uptime — Binlist at —% versus Plaid API at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do Binlist and Plaid API need an API key?

Binlist needs no key, while Plaid API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Binlist first.

Can I call Binlist and Plaid API from the browser?

Only Plaid API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Binlist needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Binlist and Plaid API free for commercial use?

Binlist has unclear commercial terms, and Plaid API has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.