Why is BigDataCloud's Reverse Geocoding API Free?

Getting started

Reverse geocoding converts GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) into human-readable locations such as city, suburb and region. Many providers charge for this capability and impose usage limits, but BigDataCloud takes a different approach: our Free Client-side Reverse Geocoding to City API is available at no cost for qualifying use cases. Here’s how and why.

How the free model works

When your app or website calls the client-side API with the user’s current coordinates (with consent), our systems can correlate those coordinates with the requesting IP address. We aggregate these signals—without identifying the user—to improve and validate our IP geolocation data. This continuous feedback loop powers resources like our Daily IP Geolocation Accuracy Report and helps us keep our IP geolocation services accurate and up to date. In return, you get fast, reliable reverse geocoding for your client-side experiences.

Privacy by design

The free client-side endpoint does not require an API key and is designed to work directly in the browser or device application. We use the incoming coordinate and network signals to enhance our data quality, not to identify individual users. For background on our broader geolocation technology, see How accurate is the IP Geolocation API?

Fair use requirements (please read)

To keep the service free and reliable for everyone, the Free Client-side Reverse Geocoding API must be used in line with our Fair Use Policy. In short:

Client-side only: Call the free endpoint directly from the user’s device and only for the device’s current location obtained with consent (e.g., HTML5 Geolocation for web, native SDKs for mobile/IoT).
No server-side or stored data: Do not use the free client-side endpoint from servers, or with pre-stored/third-party coordinates.
Responsible use: Automated or misuse patterns that breach the policy may be blocked. If your use case doesn’t fit the policy, see the server-side alternative below.

If your implementation requires server-side processing, batching, or historical/stored coordinates, use our Server-side Reverse Geocoding to City API (includes a generous free tier with an API key). For broader options, visit the Reverse Geocoding overview or the Free API package page.

Why we can offer it free

Your legitimate client-side usage provides high-quality, real-world signals that help us benchmark and further improve our IP geolocation models. This makes our platform stronger for everyone and supports products such as the IP Geolocation API and the advanced Hazard Report API. Because the free endpoint directly contributes to data quality, we can keep offering it at no cost—provided it’s used as intended.

Getting started

Review the client-side documentation and usage examples on the Free Client-side Reverse Geocoding to City API page, then implement it in your front end. If you later need server-side geocoding, switch to the server-side API with an API key.