Free Tier · verified Aug 11, 2026

NVIDIA: Free hosted NIM APIs for prototyping

NVIDIA Build provides free serverless model APIs for development and prototyping across its hosted catalog. The official source-pack result says all models on build.nvidia.com are free to prototype with, but production use requires deployment after rate limits are reached.

PrototypingModel TestingOpenai Compatible

What you actually get

Eligibility
Developers who sign in to NVIDIA Build and obtain an API key
Rate and usage limits
Up to 40 RPM for most models; the dashboard shows the personal limit.
Models
NVIDIA NIM hosted catalog
Card requirement
no
Regions
Global
After the free allowance
Use a partner endpoint or deploy a NIM locally when the hosted prototype limit is insufficient.
Data and privacy catch
Review NVIDIA Technology Access Terms for the model and endpoint used.