Blockfrost
Cardano API-as-a-service — used by 50,000+ developers worldwide
What is Blockfrost?
Blockfrost is the most widely used Cardano API-as-a-service, powering over 50,000 developers worldwide. It provides instant access to Cardano blockchain data through a simple REST API — no node required. From blockchain explorers to DeFi protocols, Blockfrost is the infrastructure layer behind much of Cardano's ecosystem.
Key Features
Instant Cardano API
Query any Cardano data — blocks, transactions, addresses, tokens, stake pools, governance — via a simple REST API without running your own node.
50,000+ Developers
Blockfrost is the go-to choice for Cardano developers, used by more projects than any other Cardano API provider.
IPFS Gateway
Blockfrost includes an IPFS gateway, making it easy to store and retrieve NFT metadata and media files as part of the same developer account.
Webhooks & Streaming
Subscribe to real-time blockchain events via webhooks — get notified instantly when specific addresses receive transactions or when new blocks are produced.
How to Use Blockfrost
- 1
Create an account at blockfrost.io
- 2
Create a new project and select Cardano mainnet (or testnet)
- 3
Copy your project API key
- 4
Make REST API calls to api.cardano.blockfrost.io/api/v0/ with your key in the header
- 5
Use the Blockfrost SDK for JavaScript, Python, Rust, or other supported languages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blockfrost free?
Blockfrost offers a generous free tier with 50,000 daily requests. Paid plans unlock higher limits, webhooks, and priority support for production applications.
Do I need to run a Cardano node to use Blockfrost?
No. That is Blockfrost's core value proposition — you get full Cardano data access without running a node, saving significant infrastructure costs.
What SDKs does Blockfrost support?
Blockfrost has official SDKs for JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Rust, Elixir, and other languages. Community SDKs exist for additional languages.
Is Blockfrost reliable enough for production?
Yes. Blockfrost is used in production by hundreds of Cardano applications including major wallets and DeFi protocols. It maintains high uptime SLAs on paid plans.