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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesKeep your FRED API key on a server you control and have that server make requests to FRED. Do not put a reusable key in browser JavaScript, public source code, or a mobile app package. FRED API v1 commonly sends the key in a URL parameter, while v2 uses an Authorization Bearer header; both can expose the key wherever request details are handled or logged.
Why a FRED API key should stay off the client
FRED requires an API key for every API web service request. Its v1 documentation specifies an api_key request variable and demonstrates it in the URL. Its v2 documentation specifies an Authorization: Bearer … header. A header changes where the credential travels; it does not make a key safe to embed in code delivered to users. Client code and systems that process requests can expose credentials.
FRED describes its API as an HTTPS REST web service that returns XML or JSON. HTTPS protects data in transit between endpoints, but it does not prevent a key from being exposed in client code or captured by systems that log complete URLs or headers. Keeping the key server-side is a security implementation recommendation based on FRED’s authentication mechanics, not a storage prescription from FRED.
Use a server-side request flow
- Store the key in server-side configuration or a secrets manager. Do not commit it to source control or include it in browser or mobile client code.
- Call FRED from your application server. If a browser needs FRED data, expose a narrowly scoped endpoint on your server that returns only the data the browser needs. The browser calls your endpoint, not FRED with your reusable credential.
- Add the credential on the server. For v1, add the
api_keyparameter when constructing the request. For v2, set theAuthorization: Bearer …header. - Restrict and separate access. Limit access to stored secrets to the services and people that need them. FRED recommends distinct keys for separate applications and says users of an application should use their own key.
Protect credentials in logs
Because v1 sends the key as a request variable, redact query strings from application, proxy, analytics, and error logs that might record complete URLs. For v2, redact Authorization headers from logs. These are practical safeguards inferred from the documented request formats; FRED’s key documentation does not prescribe a particular logging system, vault, cloud service, or rotation process.
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Choose the API version for the data request
| Version | Documented request shape | Best fit described by FRED | Credential handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| API v1 | Key in the api_key request variable, commonly shown in the query string. |
Incremental, series-oriented requests. | Keep the key server-side and redact query strings from logs. |
| API v2 | Key in the Authorization: Bearer … header. |
Bulk observations for all series in a release and full-history retrieval. | Keep the key server-side and redact Authorization headers from logs. |
Both versions require a key, so switching versions does not remove the need to keep credentials out of client code. Choose based on whether the request is series-level and incremental or needs bulk release observations or full history.
What to do if a key is exposed
- Stop distributing or using the exposed key.
- Replace or revoke it using the available account controls, then update the server-side configuration.
- Review relevant logs and systems to determine where the credential may have been captured.
- Notify the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis immediately if you become aware of unauthorized use. The FRED API Terms of Use state: “If you become aware of any unauthorized use of your password, your account, or your API key, you agree to notify the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis immediately.”
The terms do not specify a particular rotation workflow; replacement and configuration updates are general incident-response guidance.
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FRED’s errors page says up to 120 requests per minute are allowed before a 429 response, and warns that failure to comply can result in a temporary block. The limit may change, so consult the current FRED API errors page when planning request volume.
Applications using FRED must prominently include this notice: “This product uses the FRED® API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.” The terms also require applications made for other users to link to the terms and state that use is subject to them. See the FRED API Terms of Use.
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Official documentation
- FRED API key documentation for v1 authentication.
- FRED API v2 documentation for v2 authentication and request details.
- FRED API documentation overview for API characteristics and version use.
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