What is ExchangeRate-API?
ExchangeRate-API delivers reliable foreign exchange rate data through a developer-friendly JSON API that supports 165 currencies across 200 countries. The service collects data from multiple central banks and commercial sources, using a proprietary algorithm to blend datasets for enhanced accuracy and stability. With over 15 years of operational history, the API maintains exceptional uptime records exceeding 99.99%, making it a trusted solution for businesses requiring consistent currency conversion data.
The platform offers flexible integration with just two lines of code in any programming language supporting HTTP requests, featuring clear documentation and responsive support. It provides various update frequencies depending on the plan, from daily updates on the free tier to hourly updates on paid plans, along with historical data spanning over 30 years. The API is particularly valuable for e-commerce platforms displaying localized pricing, internal business dashboards tracking international metrics, and spreadsheet applications processing financial data.
Features
- Global Currency Coverage: Supports 165 currencies used in 200 countries with comprehensive currency code support
- JSON Response Format: Easy-to-parse JSON responses for seamless integration across development environments
- Multiple Data Sources: Uses data from multiple central banks and commercial sources blended through proprietary algorithms
- Historical Data Access: Provides over 30 years of historical exchange rate data for analysis and backtesting
- High Availability Infrastructure: Utilizes redundant AWS infrastructure across multiple availability zones for exceptional uptime
- Developer-Friendly Implementation: Requires just 2 lines of code for integration in any programming language supporting HTTP requests
- Long-Term Support: Maintains API endpoints without breaking changes, with some customers using original endpoints since 2010
Use Cases
- Displaying localized pricing in e-commerce stores for international customers
- Tracking international sales and financial metrics on business dashboards
- Feeding exchange rate data into spreadsheet models for academic or personal research
- Providing currency conversion functionality in SaaS applications
- Supporting financial analysis tools with historical exchange rate data
- Enabling multi-currency calculations in web and mobile applications
- Integrating real-time currency data into financial dashboards and reporting systems
FAQs
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How accurate is the currency data provided by ExchangeRate-API?
The service collects data from multiple central banks and commercial sources, then uses a proprietary algorithm to blend these datasets, reducing the impact of incorrect outlying rates. It only supports currencies with at least 3 data sources, providing indicative midpoint rates suitable for price estimations and dashboards. -
How often are exchange rates updated?
Paid plans receive updates every hour, while the free plan updates once per day. Each API response includes a datestamp and Unix time indicating the most recent data update. -
What happens if I exceed my API request quota?
The service provides notifications at 75% and 100% of quota usage, with soft capping at 100% to allow some extra room. Users can monitor usage through their dashboard, and the team discusses overages with customers rather than immediately interrupting service. -
What payment methods are accepted for paid plans?
All major credit cards and PayPal are accepted through the Paddle payment processor, which supports VAT invoicing for over 45 countries including EU nations. -
Is there a refund policy if I'm not satisfied with the service?
Yes, if support cannot resolve issues, the company will cancel subscriptions and refund the latest payment upon request.
