API access

Jump to Get access to Semrush APIGet access to Semrush API

Semrush offers several API options for different use cases, each with its own subscription, authentication method, and access requirements. This guide covers:

Choose the API that matches your use case, then follow its setup instructions to obtain your credentials and make your first request.

Jump to Standard APIStandard API

Standard API access is available to users of the SEO Toolkit who have a Business subscription.

Jump to 1. Upgrade to SEO Business plan1. Upgrade to SEO Business plan

  1. Go to the Pricing page.
  2. Upgrade to the SEO Business plan to buy API units and generate an API key.

Note that after upgrading to the SEO Business plan the number of units will still be zero.

Jump to 2. Buy API unit package2. Buy API unit package

Now you can buy API units according to your needs:

  1. Click the icon at the top right of the Semrush interface to access your account.
  2. Select Subscription info and go to the API Units tab.
  3. Select an API unit package and click Buy.

Jump to How many API units do you need?How many API units do you need?

The cost of requests is measured in API units. API units are determined by the type of report or request. Delivering historical data from the analytics tools requires more units than live data.

For example, one line of response in the Domain Organic Search Keywords report costs 10 API units for live results and 50 API units for historical data. If you’d like to list 1,000 organic keywords for 100 domains, you will be charged for 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 API units, respectively (1,000 keywords * 10 API units for live data * 100 domains = 1,000,000 API units; 1,000 keywords * 50 API units for historical data * 100 domains = 5,000,000 API units).

Jump to 3. Get your API key3. Get your API key

Once you have purchased API units, go to the API Keys page and get your API key from the list of your active keys:

For Version 3 methods, you’ll need a v3 API key.

For step-by-step instructions on getting your key and making your first request, refer to the Quick start guide for Version 4 or Version 3.

Jump to Trends APITrends API

The Trends API comes in two plans:

  • Trends Basic API offers access to broad traffic summaries that include website traffic metrics and user behavior data. Ideal for marketers focused on analyzing competitor web traffic, benchmarking traffic statistics, and understanding user behavior on competitor domains.
  • Trends Premium API offers everything included in the Trends Basic API, along with 16 additional data types that allow you to dig deeper into market dynamics, competitor strategies, and web traffic flows.

To learn more about Trends Basic API and Trends Premium API, refer to Trends API subscription plans.

Jump to Get access to Trends APIGet access to Trends API

If you don’t have a Semrush subscription:

  • You can buy access to Trends API Basic directly from the Traffic & Market page.
  • For Trends API Premium, contact the Sales team using the Sales Inquiry form. The team will provide you with a personalized quote that fits your needs.

If you already have access to the Trends API, you can purchase additional API units directly from the Subscription info page.

The monthly limit rate included by default is 10,000 requests. The Trends API doesn’t use Standard API units. You can always upgrade your plan from Basic to Premium or increase your limits by choosing the corresponding option on the Subscription info page.

Jump to Listing Management APIListing Management API

The Listing Management API is available to Semrush Local users who have a Pro and Business subscription. You don’t need to buy API units to use it.

To get access to the API:

  1. Go to the Pricing page.
  2. Upgrade to the Local Pro plan, or contact Sales for the Local Business subscription.

Learn more about the Listing Management API ›

Jump to Map Rank Tracker APIMap Rank Tracker API

The Map Rank Tracker API is available for all Semrush users. You don’t need to purchase API units or have a special subscription to access it.

Learn more about Map Rank Tracker API ›

Jump to FAQFAQ

Jump to Do I need a paid subscription to use the Semrush API?Do I need a paid subscription to use the Semrush API?

Yes. All Semrush API options require an eligible subscription. The required subscription depends on the API you want to use.

Jump to Where can I find my API key?Where can I find my API key?

Your Semrush API key is available in the API keys section of your Semrush profile.

Some APIs use OAuth instead of API keys. To learn more, refer to Authorization.

Jump to What should I do if I lose or need to rotate my API key?What should I do if I lose or need to rotate my API key?

If your API key is lost or may have been compromised, replace it immediately.

Last updated: August 5, 2026

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