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ExchangeRate-API (open) vs Plaid API

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

APIExchangeRate-API (open)HEALTHY98Plaid APIHEALTHY96
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms221359
P95 · ms1091874
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

ExchangeRate-API (open) vs Plaid API: common questions

Which is more reliable, ExchangeRate-API (open) or Plaid API?

Both are neck-and-neck — ExchangeRate-API (open) 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, ExchangeRate-API (open) or Plaid API?

ExchangeRate-API (open) has the lower median latency in our checks — ExchangeRate-API (open) responds in 221 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 ExchangeRate-API (open) and Plaid API need an API key?

ExchangeRate-API (open) needs no key, while Plaid 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 Plaid API from the browser?

Yes — both ExchangeRate-API (open) 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 ExchangeRate-API (open) and Plaid API free for commercial use?

ExchangeRate-API (open) 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.