Open Exchange Rates review
A straightforward JSON API for exchange rates, with historical queries and paid-tier conversion tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Open Exchange Rates provides live and historical foreign exchange rates through a URL-based JSON API. Developers request data over HTTPS using an app ID, and responses can be used with languages and frameworks that support HTTP. Coverage spans more than 200 currencies, with daily historical rates dating back to January 1, 1999. The service is suited to individual developers, online stores, and organizations building currency-aware products or analytics. It is a practical fit when a project can work with API requests and JSON rather than needing a bundled application.
The plan structure steps up by update frequency and endpoint access. Forever Free provides hourly updates, daily historical data, and limited technical support. Developer costs $12 per month or $120 per year, with hourly updates, unlimited base currencies, and basic email support. Enterprise is $47 per month or $470 per year; it adds 30-minute updates, time-series requests, and in-depth email support. Unlimited costs $97 per month or $970 per year and adds five-minute updates, currency conversion requests, time-series requests, and in-depth technical support. A 30-day trial is also offered; starting it requires contacting support after beginning checkout.
Historical lookup and time-series access make the API more than a live-rate feed, while the conversion endpoint is reserved for the Unlimited tier. Paid plans allow a base currency choice, and a symbols parameter can limit returned currencies; a usage endpoint exposes plan and usage statistics. The service runs in the cloud and lists email and documentation as support channels. Projects needing frequent updates, conversion requests, or historical analysis can match those needs to higher tiers. Those looking for webhooks, SDKs, or a non-API workflow should consider whether this URL-based service fits their integration approach before choosing it.
Open Exchange Rates pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Daily historical exchange rates reach back to January 1, 1999
- Time-series requests and conversion endpoint support rate workflows
- Paid plans offer selectable base currencies and faster updates
- Where it doesn't
- Forever Free updates hourly and offers limited technical support
- Currency conversion requests are included only with Unlimited
- No webhooks or SDKs are listed among its category specifications
Open Exchange Rates fact sheet, pricing and score →
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