ExchangeRate-API (open) vs Plaid API

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms
P95 · ms
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?

On our scheduled checks, Plaid API leads on measured uptime — ExchangeRate-API (open) 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 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.