Last updated: August 14, 2026
AI API Cost is a free, independent comparison site for AI API pricing and benchmarks. To keep the site free and the data fresh, we earn commissions when you sign up for AI API providers through links on this site. This page explains exactly how that works.
When you click a provider link on AI API Cost (e.g., "Get API access via OpenRouter") and sign up or make a purchase, that provider may pay us a referral commission. This costs you nothing extra — the price you pay is identical whether you use our link or go directly.
We only recommend providers whose APIs we have personally used or vetted. Our pricing data, benchmarks, and model comparisons are objective — we don't promote a provider because they pay us more.
These providers have active referral programs and our links contain their ref code. We'll earn a commission if you sign up.
We've applied to these provider referral programs but haven't been approved yet. The links work but currently track only via UTM parameters — once approved we'll add our ref code and start earning commissions.
These are large providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google) without public affiliate programs. Our links include UTM parameters so we can measure outbound click volume, but we don't earn anything from them.
We never let affiliate relationships change which models or providers we recommend. Our pricing data is sourced from each provider's public API and our benchmark data is sourced from Artificial Analysis and Anthropic Arena — both are independently operated.
If we ever publish sponsored content (e.g., a "Spotlight" section featuring a specific provider), we'll mark it clearly as sponsored. We don't currently run sponsored posts, but the door is open if a provider wants to reach our audience.
Email hello@aiapicost.com if you have questions about our affiliate relationships or editorial process.