Request for Clarification on Commercial Use of Chess.com API

Hi everyone,

I’m currently developing an application that uses the Chess.com public API to display and analyze player game data (e.g., game history, rating trends, performance stats). I’ve reviewed the API documentation, which states that the API is intended for personal use only.

I’d like to ask:

• Is there a way to obtain official permission to use the API in a commercial project, such as a paid app or a service with optional subscriptions or ads?
• If so, what’s the process for requesting permission or becoming an API partner?
• Are there any existing terms, licensing models, or usage guidelines for commercial use that developers should be aware of?

The app I’m building could be beneficial to the community by offering in-depth statistics and tools for training or coaching. I want to ensure I comply fully with Chess.com’s terms and am open to collaboration or licensing if needed.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

cool

You could contact Support directly using the option in the menu and ask. My guess is that's not something the site would do but could be wrong

That said, I don't think Aim Chess has anything special when they started originally.

Yeah, I was just about to bring up Aimchess. I was a subscriber with them before they had a relationship over here, and they were clearly doing something similar to what you are suggesting. I agree with Martin that you should contact support anyway, but I'm inclined to believe you should be fine even with a commercial app. The API doesn't provide anything really that ground-breaking as-is. If, say, a new API with write calls, or real-time functionality, etc. came along in the future, I could see chess.com locking that one down though.

Thank you both for your opinion.