Each Biteship subscription package includes a monthly quota for using the Rates API, Tracking API, and Maps API. When your usage reaches the quota limit, your integration will continue running. Additional requests will be charged at the over-quota API request rate, deducted directly from your Bitepoints balance.
With this scheme, your checkout system, OMS, or application will not stop retrieving shipping rates and tracking statuses even when transaction volume is high. You only need to ensure that your Bitepoints balance is sufficient and monitor your quota usage regularly through the Biteship Dashboard.
This article will help you understand:
- Types of API quotas that are charged per request after the quota is exhausted
- The over-quota API request rates
- How to check API quotas and usage in the Biteship Dashboard
- The meaning of each quota status displayed in the dashboard
1. What Are API Quotas and Over-Quota Request Charges?
An API quota is the number of requests included in your subscription package for one subscription period. There are three types of API quotas that support per-request charges after the quota is reached:
- Rates API: requests to check shipping rates.
- Tracking API: requests to track shipment status.
- Maps API: requests for map and location services.
As long as usage remains below the quota, requests are not subject to additional charges. Once the quota is reached, each subsequent request is charged at the per-request rate from your Bitepoints balance until the subscription period ends.
For some packages, certain API quotas are displayed with the label pay per request. This means that the package does not include a free quota for that API, so every request is immediately charged at the per-request rate from your balance.
Other quotas in your account, such as Shipments, Returns, Active Couriers, Origin Locations, and team members, do not use this per-request charging scheme.
2. Over-Quota API Request Rates
The following per-request rates apply to API requests outside the package quota:
| API Type | Rate per Request |
|---|---|
| Rates API | Rp5 |
| Tracking API | Rp10 |
| Maps API | Rp2 |
The rates that apply to your account, including if your account receives special pricing, are always displayed on each API's quota card in the Biteship Dashboard. Use the information in the dashboard as your primary reference.
3. How to Check API Quotas and Request Rates in the Biteship Dashboard
Viewing Remaining API Quotas
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Log in to the Biteship Dashboard, then open Billing > Overview. Scroll to the Subscription Usage section, then select the API Usage tab.
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Review the Rates API, Tracking API, and Maps API cards. Each card displays the number of requests already used compared with the quota limit, for example,
1,250 / 5,000 API requests, along with a usage progress bar. The current subscription period is displayed above the card in the format Period: .... - Hover over the information icon next to the API name to view the applicable per-request rate after the quota is reached.
Viewing API Usage and Cost History
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On the API quota card, click View usage. You can also open Billing > Transactions, then select the API Usage tab.
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The table displays the Date, Total Requests, Amount (total cost), and Usage Details columns. The Usage Details column breaks down the number of requests and costs for Rates, Tracking, and Maps.
Data in the API Usage tab is available starting March 17, 2026.
4. Understanding API Quota Statuses in the Dashboard
The description below each API quota card will change according to your usage status:
- Within quota - Quota Available: The progress bar uses the primary color. The description indicates that requests outside the quota will be charged per request from your balance.
- Quota reached - Per-Request Rate Active: The progress bar changes to orange. The description indicates that the quota has been reached and each additional request is now charged at the per-request rate.
- Pay per request - No Free Quota: The card does not display a progress bar, and usage is marked pay per request. Each request is charged at the per-request rate from your balance.
- Unlimited - Unlimited: Usage is displayed with the label Unlimited. There is no quota limit for that API in your package.
5. Tips for Keeping API Request Costs Under Control
- Make sure your Bitepoints balance is sufficient: Over-quota request costs are deducted from your Bitepoints balance. Add balance through Billing > Overview, then click Add Balance.
- Monitor usage regularly: Check the API Usage tab regularly, especially before promotional periods or sales campaigns.
- Temporarily save shipping rate results: If the route and package weight are the same, reuse the Rates API result you received within a short period to avoid sending repeated requests.
- Consider an add-on or package upgrade: If your usage consistently exceeds the quota, you can purchase a Rates API, Tracking API, or Maps API quota add-on, or switch to a package with a larger quota through Billing > Overview.
6. FAQ About API Quotas and Request Rates
Where are over-quota API request costs paid from?
Costs are automatically deducted from your Bitepoints balance. Cost details can be viewed under Billing > Transactions > the API Usage tab.
Can the Starter package use the Production API?
Yes. The Production API can be used with the Starter package. Requests exceeding the package quota are charged per request from your Bitepoints balance. You can upgrade to a paid package to get a larger API quota.
When will my API quota reset?
API quotas are calculated per subscription period. When a new period begins, usage is recalculated according to your package quota. The current period can be viewed in the Subscription Usage section under Billing > Overview.
Are Shipment or Return quotas also charged per request when they run out?
No. Per-request charges only apply to the Rates API, Tracking API, and Maps API. To add other quotas, you can purchase an add-on or upgrade your package.
How long does it take for the balance to appear after a top-up?
The balance will be updated automatically within 1 to 15 minutes after payment is confirmed. If the balance has not been added after more than 1 hour, contact the Biteship support team and include proof of payment.
7. Conclusion
Over-quota API request charges ensure that your Rates API, Tracking API, and Maps API integrations continue running even after your package quota has been exhausted. By monitoring usage in the API Usage tab and keeping your Bitepoints balance sufficient, you can manage API costs more easily.
If you notice a discrepancy between usage and billing, or need special pricing for a high volume of requests, please contact the Biteship support team at support@biteship.com.