LocationIQ
Geocoding, reverse geocoding, routing, and static map APIs built on OpenStreetMap data with a generous daily free tier and no credit card required.
Use Cases
Free Tier
5,000 requests/day across all APIs, no credit card required
How to Maximize the Free Tier
LocationIQ gives you 5,000 free API requests per day (~150,000/month) across geocoding, reverse geocoding, routing, and static maps — no credit card needed. Each request costs 1 credit regardless of API type, so the quota is straightforward to budget. To maximize it, cache geocoding results locally (you're allowed to store responses for 48 hours on the free tier) and use batch geocoding for bulk address lookups. Combine with Leaflet.js or MapLibre GL for frontend map rendering to keep costs at zero. Monitor your daily usage in the dashboard and set up a simple cron job to alert when approaching 4,000 requests. If you consistently need more, the Developer plan at $100/month gives 25,000 requests/day with soft daily limits.
Getting Started
1) Go to locationiq.com and click 'Get API Key' to create a free account. 2) Verify your email and log in to the dashboard. 3) Copy your API key from the 'API Keys' section. 4) Test geocoding: https://us1.locationiq.com/v1/search.php?key=YOUR_KEY&q=Empire+State+Building. 5) Test reverse geocoding: https://us1.locationiq.com/v1/reverse.php?key=YOUR_KEY&lat=40.7484&lon=-73.9857. 6) Integrate into your app using their JavaScript, Python, or PHP SDKs, or direct HTTP requests.
Pros
- No credit card required: Free tier is accessible immediately without entering payment information, ideal for prototyping and evaluation
- OpenStreetMap data: Built on OSM ensures global coverage and community-maintained data without vendor lock-in
- Multiple APIs in one platform: Geocoding, reverse geocoding, routing, maps, and static maps all share the same daily quota
Cons
- Daily rate limit: 5,000 requests/day can be exhausted quickly in high-volume or production applications
- Limited support: Free users receive best-effort email support only, with no guaranteed response times
- Attribution required: Must display a prominent LocationIQ attribution link on any commercial use