yangmao.ai · daily-updated AI free tier database
DeepSeek Mainland China Access Guide
If you use DeepSeek from mainland China or ship to China-based users, validate access, signup, API calls, and fallback options before production.
Quick verdict
- Free tier: 50 requests/day
- Free API trial: $5
- Access: relatively direct
- Best for: chat / coding / reasoning
Models and limits
| Model | Context | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeepSeek-V4-Pro | 1000k | Rate limited | Released April 2026, 1.6T param MoE (49B active), 1M context, thinking/non-thinking modes |
| DeepSeek-V4-Flash | 1000k | Rate limited | Lightweight V4, 284B params (13B active), 1M context, excellent value |
| DeepSeek-V3 | 64k | 50 RPD | Previous flagship, still available |
| DeepSeek-R1 | 64k | 50 RPD | Reasoning model, strong at math/code |
Free API credits
Yes
$5 · 2 RPM
$5 free credits on signup, pay-as-you-go after. V4-Pro has a 25%-of-list pricing window through 2026/05/31, then moves to the announced 1/4-of-list pricing basis; cache-hit price is reduced to 1/10. Tencent Cloud's 2026-06-04 hotlist signal reports up to a 97.5% price reduction for DeepSeek-V4-series calls on that third-party cloud channel; verify final billing in Tencent Cloud/DeepSeek console. V4-Flash $0.14/M input, $0.28/M output
Access notes
Direct access
Chinese service, direct access in mainland China, very fast, no proxy needed
Recommended path
Start from the main DeepSeek profile and confirm whether it fits your task.
Create an API key after signup and use the $5 first.
Run one or two real tasks before paying or switching providers.
If access is unstable, compare relay options or local alternatives.
Production decision checks
DeepSeek free credits are for validation. Before launch, record cost per 1K requests, retry-adjusted cost, and a monthly spend cap.
If you already use the OpenAI SDK, verify DeepSeek base URL, model names, streaming, tool calling, and JSON mode before migration.
Keep one similar provider or OpenLLMAPI route ready so credit exhaustion, regional access issues, or model deprecations do not break users.
Save this source snapshot plus the official console state so future quota, pricing, and rate-limit changes can be audited.
Related deals
Alternatives
Credit-change alerts
Get notified when DeepSeek credits, pricing, or Mainland China access changes; compare official providers, API gateways, and alternatives before production.
Subscribe → Compare API gateways → Use OpenLLMAPI fallback →Source snapshot
Generated from the yangmao.ai provider database plus public provider documentation. Free credits, prices, and rate limits can change; verify in the official console before production.
- Data source
- yangmao.ai provider tracker + official provider documentation review
- Official source
- https://platform.deepseek.com
- Last updated
- 2026-06-16
- Free tier
- 50 requests/day
- API credits
- $5
- Rate limit
- 2 RPM
FAQ
Does DeepSeek have a free tier?
Yes. Current record: 50 requests/day. Always confirm on the official site before relying on it.
Can I try the DeepSeek API for free?
Yes. Current record: $5, rate limit: 2 RPM.
Can I use DeepSeek without a credit card?
You can usually try free product features first, but card requirements may change on signup.
What are good DeepSeek alternatives?
Check the alternatives section below or open the DeepSeek alternatives page.