> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nowadays.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rate limits

> How the Nowadays REST API rate limits requests and how to handle 429 responses.

Requests are rate limited **per API key**. Limits are approximate and enforced on
a best-effort basis.

## Hitting the limit

When you exceed the limit, the API returns `429 Too Many Requests` with the
standard [error shape](/api/errors):

```json theme={null}
{
  "success": false,
  "error": "Too Many Requests"
}
```

## Handling 429

* **Back off and retry.** Wait before retrying, and increase the delay on
  repeated `429`s (exponential backoff).
* **Spread out bulk work.** Paginate steadily rather than firing many concurrent
  requests.

If you have a legitimate need for a higher limit, [contact us](mailto:support@nowadays.ai) —
limits may be raised on request.