Quick answer
ExchangeRate-API - ExchangeRate-API wins for most builders because its free tier gives more requests, faster upgrade options, and a much lower first paid step, while Abstract Exchange Rate API is better only if you need a broader currency/API ceiling later.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers are aimed at the same kind of builder, but they diverge on how much room you get before paying. Abstract Exchange Rate API is the tighter starter plan: 500 requests per month with a 1 request/second limit, but it includes both live and historical data and no card is required. ExchangeRate-API is the more generous free entry point for most small projects, with 1.5K requests per month, daily updates, historical data, email support, and relaxed quota enforcement. The bigger difference shows up after the free tier. Abstract jumps to a single $99/month plan with 60K requests, which is a large step up in price and capacity. ExchangeRate-API starts at $10/month for 30K requests, then $30/month for 125K. So if you are trying to stay cheap while growing gradually, B is the easier path. If you expect to need higher-volume access and do not mind paying much more, A has a higher ceiling on the first paid tier.
Abstract Exchange Rate API vs ExchangeRate-API free tier, side by side
| Abstract Exchange Rate APIFTV 50 | ExchangeRate-APIFTV 52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free requests per monthB gives 3x the free request volume. | 500 requests/month | 1.5K requests/month |
| Free update cadenceA's free tier includes live and historical data access, but no explicit refresh interval was provided. | Not specified in the free plan items | Updates once per day |
| Free rate limitA publishes a per-second cap; B's free-tier rate limit was not provided. | 1 request/second | Not specified |
| Historical dataBoth free tiers include historical data access. | Included | Included |
| No credit card requiredThis claim is explicit in the provided data for both products. | Yes | Yes |
After you outgrow the free tier
Abstract Exchange Rate API uses flat pricing with a single meaningful paid step at $99/month, then custom enterprise pricing. ExchangeRate-API also uses flat pricing, but its ladder is much cheaper and smoother: $10/month Pro, then $30/month Business. That means B is cheaper for almost every small-team case and remains easier to scale through the mid tier. A only starts to make sense if you need its specific plan shape or are already comfortable with a much larger monthly commitment.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | Abstract Exchange Rate API | ExchangeRate-API |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 requests/moBoth stay within their free quotas. | Free (within tier) | Free (within tier) |
| 10k requests/moA has no lower paid tier in the provided data; B's Pro plan covers this volume. | $99/mo | $10/mo |
| 50k requests/moB would need the Business tier for 50k requests; A's Standard plan includes up to 60k requests/month. | $99/mo | $30/mo |
| 100k requests/moB's Business plan covers 100k requests/month; A's Standard plan caps at 60k and the next step is custom Enterprise. | $99/mo plus custom enterprise terms if needed | $30/mo |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick Abstract Exchange Rate API when…
- You only need a small, simple currency lookup integration and can stay under 500 requests/month.
- You care more about access to live and historical data than about request volume.
- You expect to move quickly from free to a larger production plan and can justify a $99/month jump.
- You want a free tier with no credit card requirement and a low request rate limit is not a problem.
Pick ExchangeRate-API when…
- You want the more usable free tier for a side project, prototype, or small production app.
- You need 1.5K requests/month before paying instead of 500.
- You want a cheaper first paid tier, starting at $10/month instead of $99/month.
- You prefer a gentler upgrade path with a $30/month middle tier and 125K requests/month.
- You need frequent updates sooner than daily once you leave the free tier.
Bottom line
For the most common builder case, ExchangeRate-API is the better free-tier choice because it gives more room before you pay and its paid plans start at a far lower price. Abstract Exchange Rate API is the better pick only if you know you will need a higher-capacity production plan and you are fine with a steep jump to $99/month. If you are comparing these mainly as starting points, B is the easier and cheaper path.
Read the full listings: Abstract Exchange Rate API and ExchangeRate-API. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.