To use an API you will need a Searchbug account. The cost of each API is based on either a Query or a Hit (match) and the cost is deducted from the established Prepaid account balance. Review each API for the associated cost, and, if the charge is per Hit (when information is found) or per Query. APIs require a Prepaid account. Prepaid accounts are automatically recharged when your account is low on funds to avoid service interruption. You can select any prepaid amount from $10 to $1,000. If you are just testing the system, we suggest starting with a $10 prepaid account. Your credit card will only be charged $10 and you can implement testing. When you finish testing, we suggest you increase your prepaid amount to match your anticipated volume to avoid multiple small charges. It is important to have the proper prepaid account amount selected: If you keep your prepaid account at $10 and anticipate using more than $10 in service every few days, your card will be charged multiple times in a short period. Multiple small charges to the same vendor in a short period can often trigger your credit card company to decline charges as suspicious activity, which will cause your service to be interrupted. We suggest you select a prepaid amount that will cover at least one week of search volume. Note that Prepaid amounts never expire. Should you decide to stop using the service, you can simply request the account balance of unused funds be credited back to your card. If you need a restricted API, establish a Searchbug account first, then apply for Restricted Access.