Rate Limits

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API Reference: Rate Limits

To ensure platform stability and fair usage, AnswerPal applies rate limits to all API requests. This page explains how rate limiting works, what to expect if you exceed your quota, and how to build robust integrations that respect these limits.

What are Rate Limits?

Rate limiting controls how many API requests your organization can make in a given time period. This prevents accidental or malicious overuse, ensures fair access for all customers, and protects AnswerPal’s platform stability.

How Are Rate Limits Determined?

Rate limits in AnswerPal are not fixed, but are calculated based on the formula or subscription plan your organization has chosen. This means your allowed number of API requests per minute, hour, or day may vary depending on your contract or usage tier.

If you are unsure of your current rate limits, you can:

Check your AnswerPal dashboard (if available)
Contact your AnswerPal representative or support for details about your current limits

Note: Rate limits may be adjusted based on usage trends, special agreements, or to ensure optimal service for all customers.

What Happens If I Exceed the Limit?

If your application exceeds the allowed rate, the API will return an HTTP 429 Too Many Requests error. The response will include a `Retry-After` header indicating how many seconds to wait before making another request.

Example error response:

{

"status": 429,

"error": "Too Many Requests",

"message": "API rate limit exceeded. Please wait before retrying."

}

Note: Continued excessive requests after receiving a 429 error may result in temporary or permanent suspension of API access for your organization.

Best Practices for Handling Rate Limits

Always check for HTTP 429 responses and implement retry logic using the `Retry-After` value.
Use exponential backoff for retries to avoid repeated bursts after limits reset.
Monitor your API usage and plan batch jobs or high-volume operations during off-peak periods.
Only request the data you need; avoid unnecessary or duplicate requests.
Paginate large queries to reduce load and stay within rate limits.
If you anticipate needing higher throughput, discuss your requirements with AnswerPal Support.