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Exchange Rates API vs Plaid API

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

APIExchange Rates APIHEALTHY88Plaid APIHEALTHY96
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms810359
P95 · ms4162874
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
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?

Both are neck-and-neck — Exchange Rates API and Plaid API each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, Exchange Rates API or Plaid API?

Plaid API has the lower median latency in our checks — Exchange Rates API responds in 810 ms versus Plaid API at 359 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

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?

Yes — both Exchange Rates API and Plaid API send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

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.