Frequently Asked Questions

What is exchangeratesapi.io?

Exchangeratesapi.io provides a JSON-based REST API, delivering reliable and accurate currency exchange rates for 168 world currencies and precious metals at an affordable price, which makes it the perfect instrument for startups and online businesses, as well as for larger companies in need of reliable financial data via an easy to use interface. The exchangeratesapi.io API is widely used to power financial departments, mobile applications, and back-office systems around the world.

Who runs the exchangeratesapi.io API?

The exchangeratesapi.io API is a product built and maintained by APILayer, a technology company aiming to build a variety of reliable and essential data interfaces (APIs) and make them affordable for both startups and larger companies. APILayer GmbH is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

How often are exchange rates updated in real time?

Exchange rates on the Exchangeratesapi.io are updated at a high frequency. For real-time data, rates are refreshed as often as every 60 seconds on paid plans.

What are common error codes, and how should I handle them during integration?

Common error codes include 101 (missing access key) and 105 (base currency access restricted). The API returns a clear error object with a code and message, which developers should use to debug and handle issues programmatically.

Which currencies and currency pairs are supported by Exchangeratesapi.io?

The Exchangeratesapi.io supports over 200+ world currencies and even precious metals. The documentation provides a comprehensive list of all supported currency codes and their corresponding names

How accurate is exchangeratesapi.io forex data, and where does it come from?

"Our spot exchange rates are sourced from a very broad base of commercial sources and banks around the world, each of varying types and frequencies. The larger weighting, particularly for major currencies, is towards commercial sources as they more accurately reflect the trading occurring in the markets.

In order to ensure the highest possible level of data coverage and accuracy, the exchangeratesapi.io system relies on a very distinct “validation and fallback” algorithm, assigning different priorities to each data source and validating each forex rate as it enters our databases. If a source fails to deliver an accurate quote, the next highest provider is queried for this particular currency pair. This enables us to sort out possible inaccuracies and provide the vast majority of all spot exchange rates with a precision of six decimal places."

How often are exchange rates refreshed?

Spot exchange rate data is collected within the 60-second market window. Depending on your Subscription Plan, quotes are refreshed every day (Free Plan), every 60 minutes (Basic Plan), 10 minutes (Professional Plan), or 60 seconds (Business Plan).

Which currency data does the API provide?

"Depending on which API endpoint you are using for your query, the exchangeratesapi.io API will return or calculate with the most representative forex market rate available, which is generally the ""midpoint"" value. The ""mid"" value will also be the most useful tool to your company's financial department for accounting & invoicing purposes, for financial estimates or planning, for calculator & converter applications, and any other applications you power with exchangeratesapi.io forex data.

All exchange rates are returned as currency pairs. (See API Response)"

Which currencies and precious metals are supported by the API?

The exchangeratesapi.io API provides real-time and historical data for a total of 168 world currencies and precious metals (including Gold "XAU" & Silver "XAG"). See a detailed list of all supported currencies.

At which time are historical exchange rates made available?

The previous day's historical exchange rates become available each day at 00:05 AM GMT (12:05 AM London time). However, to allow for reverse rate conversions and consistent comparisons, all rates are time-stamped at 23:59:59 GMT. All timestamp values returned by the API are standard UTC timestamps.

What data sources does Exchangeratesapi.io use to ensure accuracy?

Exchangeratesapi.io sources its data from multiple high-authority and licensed market data providers and financial institutions. This ensures that the currency exchange rates are both accurate and reliable.

How do I get an API access key?

Every registered user is assigned a personal access key, a unique key that can be used to access and query the exchangeratesapi.io API. If you are logged in, you can find it in your Account Dashboard, in the 3-Step Quickstart Guide, and in all interactive links contained in the API's Documentation. In your account dashboard you can reset your access key at any given time.

What is an API Request?

Pricing is based on the number of monthly API Requests offered for each individual Subscription Plan. Accessing any type of exchangeratesapi.io forex data using a valid API Access Key counts as one "API Request." Unlike most other providers, any API Endpoint or feature requested (including Time-Frame & Currency-Change Queries, as well as requesting multiple currencies at once) counts as only one API Request.

What happens if I exceed my API Request volume?

Users will be automatically notified via e-mail and on their Account Dashboard once at least 75%, 90%, and 100% of their monthly API Request allowance has been reached.

After reaching 100% of the allowance, overages fees will apply so we make sure you won’t experience any disruptions and your website/application will keep running smoothly. You can learn more about overages billing here

What is the API's uptime?

The exchangeratesapi.io API's system status is closely monitored around the clock. Every effort is made to ensure the highest possible level of availability and consistency. We are proud to have an average uptime rate of nearly 100% (99.9%), calculated based on the past 12 months.

A public API status page is available at the following URL: status.exchangeratesapi.io."

Can I change the currency to which all exchange rates are relative to? (Source Currency)

"Yes. If your subscription plan supports Source Currency Switching, you may use the API's source parameter and set it to any supported 3-letter currency code to cause all returned exchange rated data to be relative to that currency.

You can learn more by looking at the Source Currency Switching section of the API Documentation."

Can I limit the number of output currencies?

"Yes, specific currencies can be requested simply by appending the currencies parameter followed by any comma-separated series of 3-letter currency codes of your choice.

You can learn more by taking a look at the Specify Output Currencies section of the API Documentation."

Can I request exchange rates for a specific time frame?

"Yes. Using the API's timeframe endpoint, you may request historical exchange rates for a time period of your choice, with a maximum range of up to 365 days.

You can learn more by taking a look at the Time-Frame Queries section of the API Documentation."

Can I determine fluctuation data for a specific currency throughout a certain time period?

"Yes. Using the API's change endpoint, you may request change parameters (both margin and percentage) for one or more currencies relative to a source currency, optionally within a specified time frame.

You can learn more by looking at the Currency-Change Queries section of the API Documentation."

Does the API provide historical exchange rate data? Up to how many years back?

Yes, the API provides access to extensive historical exchange rate data . While the free plan may have limitations, premium plans can access historical rates of the currencies going back to 1999.

How do I securely obtain and manage my API key?

Your unique API key is provided on your dashboard upon signing up. It should be kept secure and used for authentication by appending it to your API endpoint URLs. The API supports 256-bit HTTPS encryption on all paid plans to protect your data.

How do I convert between two currencies using the API?

To convert between two currencies, you use the dedicated convert endpoint. You must specify the from and to currency codes and the amount you wish to convert in your API request.

Can I retrieve exchange rates for multiple currencies in a single request?

Yes, you can retrieve exchange rates for multiple currencies in one request. By using the symbols parameter, you can specify a comma-separated list of currency codes to limit the API response to only the currencies you need.

What is the typical response format of the API, and can I choose between JSON or XML?

The typical response format of the API is JSON. The API does not provide an option to choose between JSON or XML; all responses are returned in a JSON object.

How do I set my preferred base currency in an API call?

You can set your preferred base currency by using the base parameter in your API request and setting it to the desired currency code. This feature is available on paid plans.

Does the API include support for currency symbols, names, or regional localization?

Yes, the API provides support for currency names. The symbols endpoint returns a list of all supported currency codes with their corresponding full names, such as "United States Dollar" for USD.

How can I monitor my usage and avoid exceeding my API quota?

You can monitor your usage through your account dashboard, which provides up-to-date usage statistics. The system also sends automatic notifications when you reach 75%, 90%, and 100% of your monthly quota to help you avoid overage fees.

Does the API support secure HTTPS connections for all endpoints?

Yes, secure 256-bit HTTPS encryption is supported for all connections to the API. This feature is a standard for all paid plans to ensure that your data is transmitted securely.

What is the process for upgrading or downgrading my API plan as business needs change?

You can easily upgrade or downgrade your plan directly from your dashboard. The process is simple, allowing you to change your subscription to a more suitable plan at any time based on your business needs.

What is the difference between free and paid subscriptions?

The Free Plan is set out to be a "trial version" without a time limit, offering some basic API functionalities, such as making API Requests, getting regular data updates, accessing historical data, and requesting specific currencies.

Paid Subscription Plans feature significantly higher API Request volumes and data updates as often as every 60 seconds, ensure secure data streams via 256-bit HTTPS Encryption, include unlimited and prioritised technical support, and offer a variety of must-have API functionalities.

Which subscription plan fits my needs?

In order to test the API and get an idea of the product, you can simply sign up for the Free Plan.

As soon as you or your application requires more than 100 API Requests per month and more professional API functionality (e.g. for powering a currency converter, for accounting & invoicing purposes, for financial planning, estimates, shopping carts, etc.), you would be well-advised to sign up for one of the paid Subscription Plans, starting at Startup-friendly $14.99 per month.

Which payment methods are supported?

Payments can be made via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diner's Club, American Express). Enterprise and high-volume customers may request annual bank transfer payments to be enabled. You can change your payment method at any given time in the "Payment" section of your account dashboard.

Can I also pay yearly?

Yes. If you choose annual billing, the total price of your subscription plan will be up to 15% lower than the total amount you would pay with a monthly payment frequency.

How can I change my payment frequency?

If you need assistance changing your billing frequency, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is included in Platinum Support?

Platinum Support includes dedicated account management, priority bug fixes, and access to exclusive support resources. It ensures you receive top-tier assistance for any issues you encounter, helping you maintain and optimize your system performance.

How much does Platinum Support cost?

The cost of Platinum Support varies depending on your subscription plan: - Standard Plan: $479.88 billed annually - Professional Plan: $599.88 billed annually - Professional Plus Plan: $719.88 billed annually - Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing billed annually

How do I select Platinum Support when purchasing a plan?

When you select a pricing plan, the Platinum Support option is automatically checked. You will see a checkbox next to “Include Platinum Support” with the corresponding annual price. You can uncheck this box if you do not wish to include Platinum Support.

How does Platinum Support appear on my invoice?

When you select Platinum Support, your invoice will display “Selected: [Your Plan] + Platinum Support.” The total amount charged will include the cost of your chosen plan and the annual fee for Platinum Support. For example, if you select the Professional Plan, your invoice will read “$59.99/month + $599.88/year for Platinum Support.”

Can existing customers upgrade to include Platinum Support?

Yes, existing customers can upgrade their plans to include Platinum Support. The option will be automatically checked when viewing available plans, showing the respective annual fee for Platinum Support. You can select or unselect this option as needed.

How is the billing period for Platinum Support handled?

The billing period for Platinum Support is annual. When you purchase Platinum Support, the renewal date will be one year from the purchase date. Your invoice will show the purchase date, renewal date, and the total annual amount for Platinum Support.

Can I opt out of Platinum Support during the purchase process?

Yes, Platinum Support is an optional service, you can uncheck the Platinum Support box during the purchase process if you prefer not to include it.

Can I switch back to standard support after upgrading to Platinum Support?

Yes, you can switch back to standard support at any time. However, the change will take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. Contact our support team to adjust your plan.