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ChatGPT API vs official OpenAI API
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A direct comparison of using ChatGPT API against the official OpenAI API - pricing, payments, availability, and migration effort.
TL;DR
ChatGPT API is a drop-in OpenAI-compatible gateway that resells the same OpenAI models 50% cheaper, accepts crypto instead of a card, has no subscription and no expiring credits. Migrate by changing the base URL - no code refactor.
Pricing
Official OpenAI charges its published per-token list rate. ChatGPT API meters the identical model at 50% of that rate for every request, using the exact same input / output / cached-input tiers. There is no monthly fee, no minimum spend, and credits you purchase never expire.
Payments
Official OpenAI requires a credit card (and in many regions, a US-issued one). ChatGPT API accepts BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC and other cryptocurrencies - useful if you are in a region where OpenAI does not accept your card, or if you prefer not to leave card details.
Regional access
OpenAI restricts sign-ups and payments in several regions and often terminates accounts flagged for VPN use. ChatGPT API is a single global endpoint (api.llm-gate.tech) with no geo-gating on the API surface.
Migration effort
Change one string: your base URL. Any client that speaks the OpenAI Chat Completions / Responses API - the openai-python SDK, openai-node, LangChain, LlamaIndex, Cursor, Codex CLI, VS Code, OpenCode, Cline - works after the swap.
Compatibility surface
POST /v1/chat/completions, POST /v1/responses, GET /v1/models, SSE streaming, function calling, tool use - all identical to the official OpenAI protocol. Model IDs mirror the official lineup (gpt-5.6-sol, gpt-5.5, gpt-5.4 etc.).
When to use which
Use ChatGPT API if you want a lower per-token rate, need crypto payments, or your region blocks OpenAI card checkout. Use official OpenAI if you specifically need first-party billing, enterprise contracts, or their Assistants API surface which isn't yet mirrored here.