OpenRouter free-model API
Use models listed with free variants through one API for experiments and light usage. Request limits apply; the higher daily allowance requires a credit purchase.
Free servicesFree models: 50 requests per day and 20 per minute
Who is eligible
- An OpenRouter account using a :free variant actually listed in the current catalog.
How to claim
- Create an API key in your account and configure your tool using the official guide.
- Copy a full model ID from the free-model catalog and check that your request uses the free variant.
Usage & billing conditions
- Purchasing at least US$10 in credits can raise the daily free-model limit to 1,000 requests; this step costs money.
- Failed attempts also count toward the daily quota; popular models may be rate-limited upstream.
- Paid models, the Auto Router and fallback models can incur charges for the model actually used.
Validity
Daily and per-minute limits apply; model availability and free terms follow the current official catalog.
Validity follows your signup date or program rules; there is no common claim deadline.