QuickBooks API Rate Limits & How to Prevent Hitting Them

Quick answer

QuickBooks Online enforces 500 requests per minute per company with a strict 10 concurrent request limit. Batch operations get 40 requests per minute, while resource-intensive endpoints drop to 200 requests per minute.

Exceeding these limits triggers HTTP 429 “Too Many Requests” errors that can disrupt financial workflows. Beyond rate limits, QuickBooks also caps report responses at 400,000 cells and restricts features based on subscription tiers.

Smart workaround? Use Coefficient’s managed QuickBooks connection instead of direct API calls. You get real-time financial data in spreadsheets without rate limit headaches or complex error handling.

QuickBooks rate limits

API rate limits

QuickBooks takes a multi-layered approach to rate limiting. Here’s what you’re up against:

• Standard endpoints: 500 requests per minute per realm ID (company)
• Concurrent requests: Maximum 10 simultaneous requests per company per app
• Batch operations: 40 batch requests per minute per realm ID
• Resource-intensive endpoints: Reduced to 200 requests per minute for select APIs
• Environment parity: Production and sandbox use identical limits (with occasional email restrictions in sandbox)
• Error response: HTTP 429 “Too Many Requests” when limits exceeded

API usage limits

QuickBooks enforces subscription-based restrictions beyond simple rate limiting:

• Report cell limits: BalanceSheet, TransactionList, and JournalReport responses capped at 400,000 cells
• Billable users: Maximum active users determined by subscription tier
• Chart of accounts: Account creation limits vary by plan (Essentials vs Plus vs Advanced)
• Classes and locations: Only available in Plus and Advanced plans with tier-specific limits
• Custom fields: Number of custom fields restricted by subscription level

Methods to prevent QuickBooks rate limits

• Implement intelligent batching and spacing. Group related operations into batch requests (40 per minute limit) rather than individual calls. Add delays between requests to stay under the 500-per-minute threshold while respecting the 10 concurrent request ceiling.
• Monitor your request patterns actively. Track API usage across all integrations to avoid sudden spikes. Implement exponential backoff when you hit 429 errors, and consider request queuing during peak usage periods.
• Use Coefficient for seamless QuickBooks integration. Instead of managing complex rate limit logic, Coefficient’s QuickBooks connector handles all the API complexity automatically. You get real-time financial data without coding or quota management.

Step-by-step walkthrough to avoid rate limits using Coefficient

Coefficient eliminates QuickBooks API rate limit frustrations by managing connections intelligently behind the scenes. You get live financial data in familiar spreadsheets without worrying about 429 errors or concurrent request limits.

Connect in under 5 minutes:

1. Install Coefficient from Google Workspace Marketplace or Microsoft AppSource
2. Authenticate with QuickBooks using one-click OAuth (no developer setup required)
3. Import your Reports, Objects & Fields, ect. With a click of a button  

4. Configure automatic refresh schedules for real-time updates

No rate limit monitoring needed. No complex retry logic. No API expertise required. Coefficient handles request optimization, error handling, and data synchronization automatically while you focus on financial analysis and reporting.

Common use cases that trigger API rate limits

• Month-end financial reporting workflows. Accounting teams pulling profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and transaction details simultaneously often exceed the 10 concurrent request limit, causing 429 errors.
• Real-time dashboard integrations. Business intelligence tools making frequent polling requests can quickly exhaust the 500-requests-per-minute quota, especially when monitoring multiple QuickBooks companies.
• Bulk data synchronization projects. Migrating historical transactions or updating large customer lists often hits both rate limits and the 400,000-cell report restriction simultaneously.

Skip the API headaches

QuickBooks rate limiting doesn’t have to complicate your financial workflows. While building custom integrations requires careful quota management and error handling, Coefficient provides instant access to live QuickBooks data without technical complexity.

Ready to eliminate API rate limit frustrations? Get started with Coefficient and connect QuickBooks in minutes, not hours.

FAQs

What is the rate limit for QuickBooks API?

QuickBooks Online enforces 500 requests per minute per company (realm ID) with a maximum of 10 concurrent requests per app. Batch operations are limited to 40 requests per minute, while resource-intensive endpoints drop to 200 requests per minute. Exceeding these limits results in HTTP 429 “Too Many Requests” errors.

How do I fix the API rate limit exceeded error?

When you hit QuickBooks’ 429 error, implement exponential backoff and retry logic. Reduce concurrent connections, space out requests to stay under 500 per minute, and consider batching operations. For ongoing financial data needs, Coefficient’s managed QuickBooks integration eliminates rate limit management entirely.

Is QuickBooks Online API free?

QuickBooks Online API access is included with your QuickBooks subscription for first-party integrations. Third-party apps may require separate developer accounts or fees. However, API usage is still governed by rate limits and subscription-based feature restrictions regardless of cost.

What is the API rate limit for MYOB?

MYOB’s rate limits vary by product and subscription tier, typically ranging from 1,000-5,000 requests per hour with burst allowances. This differs significantly from QuickBooks’ 500-per-minute model. Check MYOB’s developer documentation for your specific product’s current limits, as they frequently update their policies.