How many free searches do I get?

The free tier for new accounts on our platform is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to its core functionalities. This article details the…

The free tier for new accounts on our platform is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to its core functionalities. This article details the specific limitations and opportunities available before requiring a subscription, focusing on search quotas, data retention, and feature access.

Understanding the Free Tier Search Quota

Each newly registered account is provisioned with a complimentary allocation of 3 searches. This quota is a one-time grant and does not replenish over time. A "search" is defined as a single API call to our primary data retrieval endpoint (/api/v1/query) or a submission via the web interface's main search bar that results in a successful data lookup and response. Failed searches, such as those due to malformed queries or internal server errors (HTTP 5xx status codes), do not decrement this quota. However, successful queries returning an empty result set (e.g., HTTP 200 with an empty JSON array) will consume a search credit.

Monitoring Your Search Quota

Users can track their remaining free searches through two primary methods:

1. Web Interface: Navigate to the "Account Settings" page, then select the "Usage & Billing" tab. A prominent counter will display "Free Searches Remaining: X of 3".
2. API Endpoint: A dedicated endpoint, GET /api/v1/account/status, provides programmatic access to your account's current status, including the remaining free search count. The response will be a JSON object similar to this:

{
  "account_id": "usr_abcdef12345",
  ""subscription_status": "free_tier",
  "free_searches_remaining": 1,
  "next_billing_date": null,
  "plan_type": "free"
}

In the example above, "free_searches_remaining": 1 indicates one search credit is left.

Limitations Beyond Search Quota

While the primary constraint of the free tier is the search quota, there are additional, albeit less restrictive, limitations compared to subscribed accounts. These are in place to manage resource utilization and encourage full feature adoption upon subscription.

Data Retention and Access

• Search History: Free tier accounts retain a maximum of the last 5 successful search queries in their history. Subscribed accounts (e.g., "Standard" or "Premium" plans) offer unlimited search history retention for the duration of the subscription.
• Export Functionality: Data export options (e.g., CSV, JSONL) are disabled for free tier users. This functionality becomes available immediately upon subscribing to any paid plan.
• API Rate Limits: While not directly tied to the 3 search quota, free tier API requests are subject to a stricter rate limit of 10 requests per minute, with burst capacity up to 5 requests in a 1-second window. Subscribed accounts typically enjoy limits of 60-120 requests per minute, depending on the plan. This primarily affects rapid experimentation or integration development beyond the initial search quota.

Feature Access Differences

The core search functionality is identical across free and paid tiers for the 3 allotted searches. However, advanced features and integrations are exclusively available to subscribers:

Note: "Advanced Filtering Options" refers to capabilities beyond simple keyword matching, such as date range filtering, specific field targeting (e.g., field:value), and boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). Custom regex filtering is a Premium-tier exclusive.

Subscription Options and Transition

Once the initial 3 free searches are exhausted, further search queries will be blocked, both via the web interface and API, returning an HTTP 403 Forbidden status code with a message like {"error": "search_quota_exceeded", "message": "Your free search quota has been exhausted. Please subscribe to continue."}.

To continue using the service, you will need to subscribe to a paid plan. We offer two main subscription tiers:

• Standard Plan: Provides 1,000 searches per month, unlimited search history, data export, and standard API rate limits. Priced at $29/month or $290/year (17% savings).
• Premium Plan: Includes 10,000 searches per month, all Standard plan features, advanced filtering with custom regex, real-time alerts, and higher API rate limits. Priced at $99/month or $990/year (17% savings).

Subscriptions can be managed via the "Usage & Billing" tab in your Account Settings. Upon successful subscription, your account will be immediately upgraded, and the new search quota and features will become available within seconds. Unused free searches do not roll over or convert into paid plan credits.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

• Unexpected Quota Depletion: Ensure your application logic only calls the search API when a new, distinct search is genuinely required. Debugging loops or frequent polling can quickly exhaust the 3-search limit.
• Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions that interact with page content or automatically submit forms might inadvertently trigger searches. If your quota drops without direct interaction, temporarily disable extensions to diagnose.
• API Key Management: If you've shared your API key, ensure it's with trusted parties. Each API call made with your key counts against your account's quota. Regenerate your API key periodically or if you suspect unauthorized usage.
• Confusing "Empty Results" with "Failed Search": As noted, a search that successfully executes but returns no data (e.g., []) still consumes a credit. Only server errors or malformed requests (e.g., HTTP 400 Bad Request) are typically exempt.
• Immediate Need for More Searches: If you've exhausted your free searches and need more immediately for testing or evaluation, the fastest way to proceed is to subscribe to a monthly plan. There is no provision for "topping up" the free tier.