Best Currency API for Python in 2026

We compared the top 5 currency exchange rate APIs for Python developers — evaluating SDK quality, pip install experience, type hints, real-time updates, and pricing.

Last updated: May 2026

Python developers need a currency API that integrates cleanly into their stack. The ideal API offers an official SDK you can pip install, returns well-typed responses, and provides real-time data without complex authentication. We tested each API from a Python developer's perspective and ranked them on SDK quality, type hints, ease of integration, update frequency, and pricing.

#1 Best for Python

Exchange Rate API

The only currency API with an official, fully-typed Python SDK. Install and start converting in under 60 seconds.

# Install the official SDK
pip install exchangerateapi

# Quick start
from exchangerateapi import ExchangeRateAPI

client = ExchangeRateAPI("YOUR_API_KEY")
rates = client.get_rates("USD")
print(rates["EUR"]) # 0.9142

Pros

  • Official Python SDK with full type hints
  • pip install exchangerateapi — one command
  • 60-second rate updates (real-time)
  • Any base currency on all plans (including free)
  • Historical and time-series endpoints
  • Reuters/Refinitiv interbank data source
  • 160+ currencies supported

Cons

  • Free tier limited to 300 requests/month
  • Newer provider (less brand recognition)
Free / $4.99 / $9.99 / $49.99 per month Best for: Python developers, Django/Flask apps, data pipelines Try Free →
#2

ExchangeRate-API

Simple REST API with a generous free tier. No official Python SDK — use requests directly.

# No official SDK — use requests
pip install requests

import requests

resp = requests.get("https://v6.exchangerate-api.com/v6/YOUR_KEY/latest/USD")
data = resp.json()
print(data["conversion_rates"]["EUR"])

Pros

  • 1,500 free requests/month
  • Simple JSON responses
  • Supports 160+ currencies
  • No API key needed for free tier

Cons

  • No official Python SDK
  • Daily updates only (not real-time)
  • No type hints or typed responses
  • No time-series endpoint
Free / $7.99+ per month Best for: hobby projects, quick prototypes
#3

Frankfurter

Completely free, open-source API. No API key needed — great for learning and simple scripts.

# No SDK needed — just requests
import requests

resp = requests.get("https://api.frankfurter.dev/v1/latest?base=USD")
data = resp.json()
print(data["rates"]["EUR"])

Pros

  • 100% free, no API key required
  • Open-source (self-hostable)
  • No rate limits
  • Clean JSON responses

Cons

  • ECB data only — once per business day
  • ~33 currencies only
  • No official Python SDK
  • No SLA or uptime guarantee
  • No bid/ask or intraday data
Free (no paid tiers) Best for: educational projects, EUR-based scripts
#4

Open Exchange Rates

Well-documented API with good developer guides but no official Python SDK and a restrictive free tier.

# No official SDK — use requests
import requests

headers = {"Authorization": "Token YOUR_APP_ID"}
resp = requests.get("https://openexchangerates.org/api/latest.json", headers=headers)
data = resp.json()
print(data["rates"]["EUR"])

Pros

  • Excellent documentation
  • 1,000 free requests/month
  • 170+ currencies
  • Historical data on paid plans

Cons

  • No official Python SDK
  • USD-only base on free plan
  • Hourly updates on free tier
  • No HTTPS on free plan
  • No type hints or typed responses
Free / $12+ per month Best for: USD-centric data analysis
#5

Currencylayer

Large currency coverage with enterprise features, but expensive and no Python SDK.

# No official SDK — use requests
import requests

params = {"access_key": "YOUR_KEY", "currencies": "EUR,GBP"}
resp = requests.get("https://api.currencylayer.com/live", params=params)
data = resp.json()
print(data["quotes"]["USDEUR"])

Pros

  • 168 currencies supported
  • Historical rates and time-series
  • Fluctuation endpoint
  • Established provider (apilayer)

Cons

  • No official Python SDK
  • Free tier: 100 req/month, USD base only
  • No HTTPS on free plan
  • Paid plans start at $14.99/month
  • Concatenated currency pair keys (USDEUR)
Free / $14.99+ per month Best for: legacy integrations, enterprise

Quick Comparison

API Python SDK Type Hints Free Tier Update Freq. Currencies Paid From
Exchange Rate API Official Yes 300/mo 60 sec 160+ $4.99/mo
ExchangeRate-API None No 1,500/mo Daily 160+ $7.99/mo
Frankfurter None No Unlimited Daily ~33 N/A
Open Exchange Rates None No 1,000/mo 30-60 min 170+ $12/mo
Currencylayer None No 100/mo 60 min 168 $14.99/mo

Why a Python SDK Matters

When you use a raw REST API with requests, you're responsible for error handling, response parsing, retry logic, and type checking yourself. An official SDK like exchangerateapi handles all of this for you: typed responses, automatic retries, clean error classes, and IDE autocompletion via type hints. This means fewer bugs in production and faster development.

Which API Should You Choose?

For production Django/Flask/FastAPI apps: Exchange Rate API is the clear winner. Its official Python SDK with full type hints integrates seamlessly, and 60-second updates ensure your rates are always current.

For data science and Jupyter notebooks: If you just need daily rates for analysis and want zero setup, Frankfurter works well. For real-time financial data with proper typing, Exchange Rate API is better suited.

For quick scripts and prototyping: ExchangeRate-API's generous free tier (1,500/month) and no-key option make it easy to get started, though you'll be writing your own request code.

Get started with pip install exchangerateapi

Official Python SDK with type hints, 160+ currencies, and 60-second real-time updates. Free tier available — no credit card required.

Get Free API Key →

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