Last updated: September 2, 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.
Buying recommendations use sourced prices, compatibility constraints, and deterministic workload calculations. A provider's commercial relationship never changes its price, compatibility, or ranking.
These providers have active referral programs and our links contain their ref code. We'll earn a commission if you sign up.
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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.
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