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Helium vs Plaid API

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

APIHeliumNEW—Plaid APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFirst 50 queries per IP free, no key (paid API key beyond, ~$0.02/query)Free tier — API key required
Rate limit50 free queries per IP subnetUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Helium vs Plaid API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Helium or Plaid API?

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

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

Can I call Helium and Plaid API from the browser?

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

Are Helium and Plaid API free for commercial use?

Helium 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.