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ExchangeRate-API (open) vs GOV.UK Pay API

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

APIExchangeRate-API (open)NEW—GOV.UK Pay APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
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

ExchangeRate-API (open) vs GOV.UK Pay API: common questions

Which is more reliable, ExchangeRate-API (open) or GOV.UK Pay API?

On our scheduled checks, GOV.UK Pay API leads on measured uptime — ExchangeRate-API (open) at —% versus GOV.UK Pay 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 ExchangeRate-API (open) and GOV.UK Pay API need an API key?

ExchangeRate-API (open) needs no key, while GOV.UK Pay API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for ExchangeRate-API (open) first.

Can I call ExchangeRate-API (open) and GOV.UK Pay API from the browser?

Only ExchangeRate-API (open) is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. GOV.UK Pay API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are ExchangeRate-API (open) and GOV.UK Pay API free for commercial use?

ExchangeRate-API (open) has unclear commercial terms, and GOV.UK Pay 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.