Exchange Rates API vs Plaid API

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Exchange Rates API vs Plaid API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Exchange Rates API or Plaid API?

On our scheduled checks, Plaid API leads on measured uptime — Exchange Rates API 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 Exchange Rates API and Plaid API need an API key?

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

Can I call Exchange Rates API and Plaid API from the browser?

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

Are Exchange Rates API and Plaid API free for commercial use?

Exchange Rates API 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.