OpenRouter
$1,000 in universal inference credits usable across leading frontier and open models with 0% processing fees.
Details
How to redeem
About OpenRouter
The AI model exchange. 300+ models. One API. Best price, speed, and uptime — automatically.OpenRouter provides a unified, OpenAI-compatible API for LLM inference that connects to 300+ models across 60+ providers. A single integration gives you intelligent routing via Auto Router, multi-provider failover, transparent pricing, usage analytics, and per-request data policies. Keep your existing OpenAI SDK calls and swap models with a parameter — without rebuilding routing, retries, or provider management.
What do you get with this perk?
Everything an early-stage team needs to build, experiment, and scale with AI — without managing multiple providers.
- $1K in universal inference credits, valid for 6 months and usable across all 300+ models on OpenRouter — frontier and open-source.
- $0 processing fees for 12 months (including both platform fees and BYOK fees). Pay only for the tokens you use. No platform markup.
- 300+ models through one API. Switch between models instantly. No code changes, no new integrations.
Rules
The program is designed for startups building AI-native products or services that are at a Pre-Series B stage. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in order to qualify, including having a public company website, a professional company email address, and a valid OpenRouter account with less than $500 in lifetime spend. Each applicant is allowed to receive startup credits once, even if they are affiliated with multiple partners.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If approved, the credits and waived fees will be automatically applied to your OpenRouter organization account associated with an applicant email, and the applicant will be notified.
Disclosures
At Mercury, we’re all about getting you deals on the best tools for your startup. We do this with awesome perks, deals, and offers. Before you dive in, make sure you understand any applicable terms and conditions for accessing these perks.
