# 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](https://pro.coinmarketcap.com/signup). Your API key is available in the Developer Portal dashboard. Then use the [Quick Start](/guides/quick-start).

### Should I start with production or sandbox?

Start with production first so you can see the normal authentication flow and real response shape. Use sandbox only if you want to validate request structure with mock data. See [Quick Start](/guides/quick-start).

## 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](/pro-api-reference/endpoint-overview).

### 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](/guides/standards-and-conventions).

### 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](/guides/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](/guides/errors-and-rate-limits).

### 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](https://coinmarketcap.com/api/pricing/).

## 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 [Quick Start](/guides/quick-start).

### 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](https://status.coinmarketcap.com/).

### Where should I go after my first successful call?

Use [Common Workflows](/guides/common-workflows) if you want to start from a task, or [Choose an Endpoint](/pro-api-reference/endpoint-overview) if you want to browse the API surface directly.

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For more questions, visit the full [CoinMarketCap API FAQ](https://coinmarketcap.com/api/faq/) or [contact support](https://support.coinmarketcap.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360001156492).