OpenRouter for Startups Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: March 24, 2026

1. Overview

OpenRouter for Startups (the "Program") offers eligible startups promotional inference credits and/or discounted fees for use on OpenRouter's API gateway and related services (the "Services"). These OpenRouter for Startups Program Terms & Conditions (the "Program Terms") describe how the Program works and set the rules for participation.

The Program also operates alongside OpenRouter's main Terms of Service (the "Terms of Service"), available at https://openrouter.ai/terms. Those Terms of Service are incorporated into these Program Terms by reference. By applying for or participating in the Program, each participating company (a "Participant") agrees to these Program Terms and the Terms of Service.

If there is a conflict between these Program Terms and the Terms of Service, these Program Terms control only for matters specific to the Program. Any capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings given in the Terms of Service.

2. Eligibility, Application, and Verification

To qualify, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application and provide complete and accurate information. OpenRouter may request documentation or other information to verify eligibility and to reduce fraud and abuse.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while the Program is operational. OpenRouter will use reasonable efforts to provide a decision within one (1) week of submission, but timing may vary.

Eligibility criteria may include (without limitation):

• The applicant is a startup building scalable, tech-related products or services with an AI-native product focus.
• The applicant is at a pre-Series B funding stage (or equivalent stage as determined by OpenRouter).
• The applicant provides an operational, public company website.
• The applicant uses a professional company email address (not a free consumer email domain).
• The applicant has a valid OpenRouter account.
• The applicant's all-time OpenRouter spend is below the Program threshold stated in the application and/or program materials.
• The applicant is net-new to the Program and has not previously redeemed startup-program credits.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. OpenRouter may approve, deny, or conditionally approve applications in its discretion, including to prevent fraud, abuse, or policy circumvention. If verification fails or cannot be completed, OpenRouter may deny an application, revoke Program benefits, or adjust Program benefits in its discretion.

3. Program Benefits

If approved, Participants may receive promotional credits and/or waived or discounted platform fees (including routing or processing fees). OpenRouter determines the availability, amounts, and duration of any Program benefits in its discretion, and details will be communicated in applicable program materials or in writing.

Program benefits may include credits in an amount up to $5,000 USD and/or waived platform fees for a period of up to twelve (12) months.

Credits (if issued).

• Credits are promotional, have no cash value, and are non-refundable.
• Credits are not transferable, may not be sold or exchanged, and may not be applied to prior balances unless OpenRouter states otherwise in writing.
• Credits apply only to eligible Services and charges as determined by OpenRouter.
• Credits may not be combined ("stacked") with other promotions unless explicitly allowed in writing.

Program benefits may vary based on factors such as referral source, verification outcomes, and available program capacity, and may change over time.

4. Fees and Post-Program Options

If the Program includes waived or discounted platform fees (including routing or processing fees), those fee waivers or discounts apply only for the period specified by OpenRouter and may be subject to caps, exclusions, or fair use limits.

Upon the earlier of (a) the end of the applicable benefit period(s) or (b) a Participant's use of all Program credits, the Participant's account will continue under the Participant's then-current OpenRouter plan (for example, a free or pay-as-you-go plan), unless the Participant upgrades to a paid plan or OpenRouter agrees otherwise in writing. Any unused Program credits will expire at the end of the credit validity period (or upon account cancellation, if earlier).

5. Acceptable Use and Abuse Prevention

Participants must not misuse the Program or Services. Prohibited conduct includes, without limitation:

• Creating multiple entities or accounts to obtain additional credits.
• Using inaccurate, misleading, or forged information during application or verification.
• Reselling, transferring, or brokering credits.
• Automated or abusive traffic patterns intended to extract value without legitimate product use.
• Any use that violates OpenRouter's general Terms of Service, acceptable use policy, or other policies.

OpenRouter may monitor usage patterns and may suspend or revoke benefits if abuse is suspected.

6. Revocation, Suspension, and Program Changes

OpenRouter may, at any time and in its discretion:

• Modify Program eligibility, benefit amounts, or timelines.
• Pause or discontinue the Program.
• Suspend, revoke, or adjust credits or discounts if a participant is ineligible, violates Program Terms, or engages in suspected abuse.

Where feasible, OpenRouter may notify participants, but OpenRouter is not obligated to do so before taking protective action.

7. No Warranties; Limitation of Liability

Program benefits are provided "as is" and "as available." OpenRouter does not make guarantees regarding availability, uptime, suitability of specific models or providers, cost savings, performance outcomes, or business results from participation.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, OpenRouter disclaims liability for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to the Program.

8. Contact

For Program questions, contact: [email protected]