Q1: What's the difference between GateRouter and the OpenAI API?
A: With the OpenAI API, you can only access OpenAI models. GateRouter provides a single API that gives access to all major AI models. The routing system automatically selects the most suitable model for each task. Simple tasks are routed to lower-cost models, which can reduce costs by over 80%. GateRouter also supports direct USDT payments, so no credit card is required.
Q2: Is it free?
A: Registration is free. You pay only for what you use. There are no monthly fees and no minimum usage requirements. GateRouter charges a small routing fee (3.5%), which decreases as your usage grows, down to 1.5%. In practice, the cost savings from intelligent routing exceed the routing fee.
Q3: Is GateRouter cheaper than the OpenAI API?
A: Model prices are the same as the official providers. We do not add any markup. Savings come from intelligent routing, which automatically assigns simple tasks to lower-cost models. This means you don't have to pay flagship-model prices for every request. High-volume users may also receive additional discounts. Additionally, with a single API key for all models, you no longer need to manage multiple accounts or credit cards across different providers.
Q4: Is it secure? Are my conversations stored?
A: No. By default, GateRouter does not store any conversation content. You can optionally enable logging, which allows the system to use memory features to improve model selection (1% fee discount). This feature is completely optional. All data transmissions are encrypted via HTTPS.
Q5: Which models are supported?
A: GateRouter supports 25+ leading AI models, including GPT-5.4, Claude Opus 4.6, Gemini 3.1 Pro, DeepSeek V3.2, Kimi K2.5, and Grok 4. More models will be added continuously and updated automatically in the cloud.
Q6: What is Adaptive Memory?
A: Adaptive Memory is an upcoming feature launching with V1.1. The router will automatically optimize model selection based on your usage behavior. If you like or dislike responses, or manually switch models, the system learns from those signals. The more you use it, the smarter and more accurate the routing becomes.
Q7: What is x402?
A: x402 is a native HTTP payment protocol that enables AI agents to pay for requests on-chain using USDC, without needing an account or API key. This feature is coming soon.
Q8: I'm already using OpenRouter. Why switch?
A: Three reasons: Intelligent routing can reduce costs by over 80% (OpenRouter does not automatically choose models). Direct USDT payments are simpler and more convenient. Full API compatibility means you only need to change one line (base_url) to migrate.
Q9: I'm already using ClawRouter. Why switch?
A: Migration takes just one command. GateRouter is fully cloud-hosted, so you don't need to maintain a local proxy or wallet. Gate Pay with USDT is also simpler than managing a USDC wallet. In addition, Adaptive Memory in V1.1 will provide more advanced routing intelligence than ClawRouter's statistical learning approach.
Q10: What login and payment methods are supported?
A: In V1, GateRouter supports Gate OAuth login, as well as USDT payments via Gate Pay. Additional login methods (such as wallet connections) and payment options (including x402 on-chain payments and credit cards) will be added in future releases.
Q11: Who is GateRouter for?
A: GateRouter is designed for AI developers, AI product teams, AI Agent developers, AI researchers, Prompt engineers, etc.
Q12: How do I get started with GateRouter?
Just follow these three steps:
1️⃣ Authorize Gate account to log in
2️⃣ Complete KYC verification
3️⃣ Claim 3 million tokens in free trial credits
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