Best Currency API for Python in 2026

Ranked comparison of the best currency exchange rate APIs with Python SDKs. Code examples, pricing, and pros/cons for AllRatesToday, ExchangeRate-API, Frankfurter, and more.

If you're building a Python app that needs exchange rates — whether it's a Django SaaS, a FastAPI microservice, or a data science pipeline — you need an API that has a proper Python SDK, not just a REST endpoint you call with requests. This guide ranks the best options by Python developer experience, pricing, and data quality.

Quick Comparison

1. AllRatesToday

AllRatesToday is the only provider on this list with an official, typed Python SDK published on PyPI. Install with pip install allratestoday and you get auto-completion, type hints, and built-in error handling. Rates are mid-market from Reuters/Refinitiv, updated every 60 seconds.

pip install allratestoday

from allratestoday import ExchangeRateAPI

client = ExchangeRateAPI("art_live_your_key")

# Current rate
rate = client.get_rate("USD", "EUR")
print(f"1 USD = {rate['rate']} EUR")

# Historical rates (last 30 days)
history = client.get_historical_rates("USD", "EUR", period="30d")
for point in history["data"]:
    print(f"{point['date']}: {point['rate']}")

2. ExchangeRate-API

Popular for its generous free tier (1,500 requests/month). No official Python SDK — you use requests or httpx directly. Rates update once daily on the free plan. Good for hobby projects that don't need real-time data.

import requests

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

3. Frankfurter

Open-source API backed by ECB reference rates. Completely free with no API key required. Only covers 33 currencies and updates once daily. Best for EU-focused projects that only need major currencies.

import requests

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

4. Open Exchange Rates

One of the oldest currency APIs. Hourly updates on paid plans. No official Python SDK, but the REST API is straightforward. Free tier is USD-base only with 1,000 requests/month.

5. Currencylayer

Part of the Apilayer ecosystem. Only 100 free requests/month with daily updates. Real-time data requires the Professional plan ($39.99/mo). No Python SDK.

Our Verdict

For Python developers, AllRatesToday is the clear winner. It's the only provider with an official pip install SDK, type hints, and real-time data on the free tier. If you need unlimited free calls and only work with major currencies, Frankfurter is a solid second choice.

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