CoinMarketCap API FAQ
Use this page for fast answers. For deeper details, follow the linked guide or reference page in each answer.
Getting started
What is the CoinMarketCap API for?
It provides live and historical cryptocurrency market data, exchange data, DEX data, and broader market signals for apps, dashboards, analytics, and research workflows. Start with the API Overview if you want the fastest orientation.
How do I get an API key?
Sign up at pro.coinmarketcap.com. Your API key is available in the Developer Portal dashboard. Then use the Get Started with an API Key.
Choosing data and endpoints
Should I use quotes or listings?
Use quotes when you already know the assets you care about. Use listings when you want a ranked or filtered list across the market. Start with Choose an Endpoint.
Should I use id or symbol?
Use CoinMarketCap id whenever possible. It is more stable than symbol, which can be ambiguous or change over time. See API response format, IDs, and timestamps.
What cryptocurrencies and exchanges are available?
You can discover supported assets and exchanges using /v1/cryptocurrency/map and /v1/exchange/map. Those endpoints are the best place to start when building stable lookups and mappings.
How far back does historical data go?
Historical coverage varies by asset and exchange. Use /v1/cryptocurrency/map or /v1/exchange/map; each result includes first_historical_data so you can check the available start date directly.
Do you support pricing in local currencies?
Yes. The API supports fiat currency conversion and precious metals. Use /v1/fiat/map for the supported fiat currency list, and check the endpoint parameter documentation for supported precious metal conversions such as XAU, XAG, XPT, and XPD.
Usage and limits
How do API call credits work?
Credits are tied to data returned, not just raw request count. For the full model, including bundling and paginated responses, see Authentication.
What happens when I hit a rate limit?
The API returns HTTP 429. Rate limits reset every 60 seconds, and the exact limits depend on your tier. See Rate limits, errors, and troubleshooting.
Do you have a free tier?
Yes. The Basic tier is the simplest way to evaluate the API. If you need more capacity, see the pricing page.
Troubleshooting
Can I call the API directly from the browser?
No. Client-side browser requests are blocked to protect your API key. Route requests through your own backend or another trusted server-side environment. See Get Started with an API Key.
How do I identify a cryptocurrency correctly?
Use the numeric CoinMarketCap id if you can. Symbols are convenient, but they are not always unique. Use /v1/cryptocurrency/map to look up the correct ID.
Where can I check API status?
Use the public API health dashboard.
Where should I go after my first successful call?
Use Common Workflows if you want to start from a task, or Choose an Endpoint if you want to browse the API surface directly.
For more questions, visit the full CoinMarketCap API FAQ or contact support.