FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about UnifyAPI, billing, and how to get started.
Basics
What is UnifyAPI?+
UnifyAPI is a unified gateway that exposes 818 tools across 250 providers behind a single API key and one billing rail. Instead of signing up for, integrating, and paying dozens of separate APIs, your app or AI agent connects once and reaches everything through one endpoint.
What is MCP?+
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI agents discover and call external tools. UnifyAPI exposes an MCP endpoint at /api/mcp, so clients like Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Cline can use all 818 tools automatically. See the setup guide.
Who is this for?+
Developers building AI agents, automation, and apps that need real-world data and actions — without the overhead of managing many provider accounts, keys, and invoices.
Pricing & billing
How much does it cost?+
You pay per call — most tools start at $0.001 each. There are no subscriptions and no monthly minimums. See the pricing page for the full breakdown.
What is x402?+
x402 is an open payment protocol that settles micropayments in USDC on-chain. UnifyAPI uses it so agents can pay per call automatically, with no credit card or invoicing. Until you configure a wallet it runs in simulation mode, so you can test the full flow for free.
How do I add funds?+
Top up your balance from the dashboard using USDC over x402. Each tool call deducts its price from your balance.
Using the API
How do I get an API key?+
Sign in at /login with email, Google, or X, then create a key in the dashboard. Keys are shown once — copy yours immediately.
What's the difference between live and mock tools?+
Live tools proxy a real upstream API and return real-time data. Mock tools return realistic sample data with the same schema, so you can build and test against any endpoint before it's wired to a live source. Check the status page for current coverage.
Can I try a tool before integrating?+
Yes — every tool page has a built-in playground. Browse the catalog, open a tool, paste your key, and run a real call from the browser.
$UNIFY token
What is $UNIFY?+
$UNIFY is the community token of the UnifyAPI network, launched on Base. It aligns the people building, using, and growing the gateway. Learn more on the token page.
Do I need $UNIFY to use the API?+
No. The API runs on USDC via x402. $UNIFY is a separate community token and is not required to call tools.
Still have questions?
Dive into the full documentation or start building right away.