> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/cheahjs/free-llm-api-resources/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Inference.net

> Get $1 in free credits, or $25 by responding to an email survey

## Overview

Inference.net provides $1 in trial credits upon sign up, with an opportunity to receive an additional $25 in credits by responding to their email survey.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Initial Credits" icon="dollar-sign">
    \$1 upon sign up
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bonus Credits" icon="envelope">
    +\$25 with email survey
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Credit Structure

### Base Credits

Receive **\$1 in credits** immediately upon creating your account.

### Bonus Credits

<Info>
  Receive an additional **\$25 in credits** by responding to an email survey sent by Inference.net.
</Info>

## Available Models

Inference.net offers access to various open-source language models optimized for inference.

<Note>
  Inference.net focuses on providing **cost-effective inference** with a variety of popular open-source models.
</Note>

## Getting Started

### 1. Sign Up

Visit [inference.net](https://inference.net) and create a free account to receive your initial \$1 credit.

### 2. Check Your Email

Watch for a survey email from Inference.net to unlock the additional \$25 in credits.

### 3. Get Your API Key

Navigate to your dashboard to generate an API key.

### 4. Make API Calls

```python theme={null}
import openai

client = openai.OpenAI(
    api_key="YOUR_INFERENCE_NET_API_KEY",
    base_url="https://api.inference.net/v1"
)

response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3.1-70B-Instruct",
    messages=[{
        "role": "user",
        "content": "What is the capital of France?"
    }]
)

print(response.choices[0].message.content)
```

```javascript theme={null}
import OpenAI from 'openai';

const client = new OpenAI({
  apiKey: process.env.INFERENCE_NET_API_KEY,
  baseURL: 'https://api.inference.net/v1'
});

const response = await client.chat.completions.create({
  model: 'meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3.1-70B-Instruct',
  messages: [{
    role: 'user',
    content: 'What is the capital of France?'
  }]
});

console.log(response.choices[0].message.content);
```

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.inference.net/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_INFERENCE_NET_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3.1-70B-Instruct",
    "messages": [{
      "role": "user",
      "content": "What is the capital of France?"
    }]
  }'
```

## Unlocking Bonus Credits

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Survey Process" icon="list-check">
    1. Create your account and receive \$1
    2. Check your email for a survey from Inference.net
    3. Complete and submit the survey
    4. Receive \$25 in additional credits
    5. Total credits: **\$26**
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  Make sure to check your **spam/junk folder** for the survey email if you don't see it in your inbox.
</Warning>

## API Compatibility

<Note>
  Inference.net uses an **OpenAI-compatible API**, making integration straightforward for developers already familiar with OpenAI's SDK.
</Note>

## Use Cases

* **Cost-Effective Testing**: Substantial credits for thorough evaluation
* **Prototyping**: Build and test AI applications
* **Model Comparison**: Test multiple models to find the best fit
* **Development**: Develop applications before scaling to production

## Resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Inference.net Platform" icon="link" href="https://inference.net">
    Access the platform
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dashboard" icon="gauge">
    View usage and credits
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  With a total of **\$26 in credits** (base + survey bonus), you have substantial capacity to thoroughly evaluate Inference.net for your needs.
</Info>