Terms of service is the agreement that sets the rules for using your product: what users may and may not do, your liability limits, and how disputes are handled. For an API Service, getting it right matters: An API service processes API keys, request payloads, and usage logs on behalf of your customers, so your terms and privacy policy need to cover both your own data handling and what you do with the data customers send through your API. This free terms of service generator asks a few questions about your API Service and assembles a tailored document you can copy or download in seconds.
Why your API Service needs a terms of service
Clear terms of service protect you by setting expectations, limiting liability, and giving you grounds to suspend abusive accounts.
An API service processes API keys, request payloads, and usage logs on behalf of your customers, so your terms and privacy policy need to cover both your own data handling and what you do with the data customers send through your API.
What an API Service terms of service should cover
A good terms of service for an API Service is specific to how your product works. At a minimum, address:
- What request data, payloads, and logs you store, and for how long
- API keys, authentication, and rate limits
- Whether you process data as a controller or as a processor for customers
- Acceptance of the terms and who may use the product
- Acceptable-use rules and prohibited behavior
- Payment, refund, and cancellation terms if you charge
- Limitation of liability and governing law
How this generator works
PolicySmith builds your terms of service entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent to a server. Answer the questions above about analytics, payments, AI features, and the regions your users live in, and the document updates to match. Export it as HTML or Markdown, paste it into your API Service, and link to it from your store listing or footer.
Frequently asked questions
How is an API service different from a regular SaaS privacy policy?
An API service often processes data that belongs to its customers rather than to your own users. Your policy should distinguish between data about your customers (their account, billing) and data your customers send through the API on behalf of their own users.
Do I need terms of service if I already have a privacy policy?
They serve different jobs. A privacy policy explains data handling; terms of service set the contract for using your product. Most apps benefit from having both.
Can I edit the generated terms of service?
Absolutely. Export the document as Markdown or HTML and adjust the clauses to match how your product actually works.
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