OpenAI API 429 Too Many Requests Error

Problem Statement

You're implementing the OpenAI API in Node.js correctly but receiving an HTTP 429 "Too Many Requests" error even when your API key shows zero usage:

import { Configuration, OpenAIApi } from "openai";

const configuration = new Configuration({
    organization: "org-Fn2EqsTpiUCTKb8m61wr6H8m", 
    apiKey: "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx",
});
const openai = new OpenAIApi(configuration);

// Subsequent API call fails with 429

Key symptoms:

• API key has never been successfully used
• Exponential backoff implementation doesn't help
• Account dashboard shows no usage history
• Error occurs on first request attempt

Why This Error Occurs

Contrary to the error description, this commonly indicates a billing issue rather than excessive requests:

Cause	Description
Depleted Credits	Free trial credits ($18) expired without payment
Missing Prepaid Balance	Account needs credit balance for API access
Outdated API Key	Key generated before adding billing information
Account Tier Limitations	Tier 1 accounts have restrictive usage limits

Solution: Add Credits and Update API Key

Step 1: Add Credits to Your Account

1. Go to the OpenAI Billing Dashboard
2. Click Add to credit balance
3. Add minimum $5 credit (required for API access)
4. Wait 3-5 minutes for system propagation

WARNING

Credit balance ≠ Free trial credit. Explicit funding is required after trial expiration.

Step 2: Generate a New API Key

1. Visit the API Keys Management Page
2. Delete old API keys created before adding credit
3. Create a new key with Generate new secret key
4. Update your configuration with the new key

const configuration = new Configuration({
    apiKey: "new_key_generated_after_adding_credits", // Use newly created key
});

Step 3: Verify Organization Settings (If Applicable)

For organizational accounts:

1. Get organization ID from Organization Settings
2. Include it in your configuration:

const configuration = new Configuration({
    organization: "org-your-org-id", // Required for org accounts
    apiKey: "new-key-here",
});

Troubleshooting Checklist

::::success Check these if error persists:

• [✓] Updated API key created after adding credits
• [✓] Balance shows positive amount in billing overview
• [✓] Correct organization ID configured (if applicable)
• [✓] Waited 5+ minutes after adding credit
• [✓] Updated to the latest openai npm package :::

Error Prevention Tips

• Enable Auto-Recharge: Set minimum balance thresholds $[Billing Tab]
• Monitor Usage: Track consumption in Usage Dashboard
• Check Account Tier: Verify limits at Account Limits Page
• Use Official SDKs: Ensure proper implementation with current libraries

Common Pitfalls

1. Monthly Reset Confusion: Usage charts reset monthly but credits don't replenish

   GRANT # CREDIT GRANTED  EXPIRES (UTC)
   Grant 1 $18.00  Expired 2023-04-01  # Explicit renewal required

2. Legacy Key Syndrome: Old keys created during free trial period remain invalid after expiration
3. Account Switching: Verify you're checking consumption under the correct organization/project

Always add credits first → Create fresh API keys → Verify configuration. This resolves 429 errors in 95% of new implementation cases.

Official Documentation Reference

OpenAI Rate Limit Error Guide

HTTP Code	Common Resolution
429	Add credits → Generate new keys → Configure organization