Why are we introducing a Fair Use Allowance?
In December 2025, Xero announced changes to its platform pricing model, introducing charges based on the volume of data downloaded through its APIs. These charges came into effect on 1 March 2026.
Historically, OdataLink has not needed to monitor or limit the amount of data being downloaded by individual customers. However, with data egress now representing a direct cost to our business, it has become necessary to introduce a fair use allowance to ensure we can continue providing a sustainable and cost-effective service for all customers.
You can view our Fair Use Policy here – OdataLink Fair Use Policy – OdataLink
What is changing?
From 1 July 2026, OdataLink will introduce a fair use allowance of:
2 GB per data file, per month
This allowance applies to customers using Xero as a source system.
Based on our analysis of customer usage patterns, this allowance comfortably accommodates the vast majority of reporting, dashboarding and analytics use cases.
Most customers are already operating well within this threshold.
How do I check my usage?
To help customers understand their usage, we have built tools that provide visibility into data consumption.
You can see:
- Your overall data usage
- Which models are generating usage
- Which endpoints are contributing most heavily to data consumption
Follow this guide to review your usage:
How to track my OdataLink usage
We encourage all customers to review their usage prior to 1 July 2026.
What if my usage is high?
If your usage is approaching or exceeding the fair use allowance, there are a number of ways to reduce consumption without impacting reporting outcomes.
Common optimisation strategies include:
Polling
Polling allows OdataLink to retrieve only changed data rather than downloading full datasets during every refresh.
Archiving
Archiving historical data can significantly reduce ongoing data downloads while preserving reporting requirements.
Refresh Schedule Optimisation
Many models refresh more frequently than required. Aligning refresh schedules with business needs can often produce substantial reductions in data usage.
You can learn more about these optimisation techniques here:
Reducing Data Usage and Optimising your OdataLink Feeds
Support Available
If you need assistance understanding your usage or implementing optimisation strategies, our support team is happy to help.
You can contact us via live chat or email and we will provide guidance as part of our standard support offering.
For customers requiring more advanced assistance, such as query optimisation, custom archiving strategies or data model redesign, consulting services are also available.
UK and GDPR Requirements
For customers operating in the UK with strict GDPR requirements, we are currently developing a UK-based service that will allow archiving to be enabled within your own region.
Further information will be provided as this service becomes available.
What happens if I exceed the allowance?
Over the coming months we will actively monitor usage across our customer base.
If we identify a data file or model generating unusually high levels of data egress, one of our consultants may contact you to discuss your setup and identify opportunities for optimisation.
In most cases, a small number of changes can significantly reduce data usage without impacting reporting outcomes.
If, after all reasonable optimisation options have been explored, usage remains consistently above the fair use allowance, we will contact you to discuss the most appropriate path forward for your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this affect most customers?
No. Based on our analysis, most customers are already operating comfortably within the 2 GB allowance.
When does the allowance take effect?
The fair use allowance takes effect from 1 July 2026.
How can I see my usage?
You can view your usage, along with the models and endpoints contributing to that usage, using our usage tracking tools.
What support is available?
Our support team can assist with reviewing usage and identifying optimisation opportunities at no additional cost.
Will I be charged if I exceed the allowance?
No immediate changes are being introduced. If usage remains consistently above the allowance after optimisation efforts have been explored, we will contact you to discuss the most appropriate solution.