Ramp, the corporate expense management platform, launched its own AI model routing service, called Router, on Wednesday evening, positioning itself to compete in the growing AI inference market. The service allows users and companies to access and switch between various large language models through a single API, and it is available in the United States only.
What is Ramp’s Router and how does it work?
Router is an API-based service that provides access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Moonshot, Minimax, Nvidia, xAI, and Z.ai. Ramp says it has been using the router internally for its own AI needs over the past three years. The service offers several “strategies” to help customers route AI requests based on their preferences. For example, users can set a preference for model providers’ flex usage tiers, or let Router choose which model to route queries to based on up to three user-specified benchmarks. Users can also route only difficult problems to expensive models or test models easily without switching.
Router includes a dashboard that shows token spend, cost, latency, fallback attempts, and other details. It has an opt-out data retention policy: it records model inputs, outputs, and tool calls for one year by default, though Ramp says it removes personally identifiable information before using that content to improve the product.
Why is Ramp entering the AI model routing space?
Ramp’s entry into model routing offers a two-pronged opportunity. It taps the booming AI inference market and provides existing clients with a model routing service that integrates with its existing products, which include AI token usage monitoring and token spend management. If Router attracts users like OpenRouter has, Ramp could build long-standing relationships with AI labs and inference providers worldwide, potentially gaining new customers and a new entry point for selling its expense management products.
Ramp raised $750 million at a $44 billion valuation in June, according to the company. The Router service is free to use for the remainder of 2026, though users still pay for AI model inference costs. Ramp also offers a $26 credit launch offer. The company has not disclosed pricing for next year.
How does Router compare to OpenRouter?
Router’s function is similar to OpenRouter, though OpenRouter offers many more AI model options. OpenRouter was recently reported to be acquired by Stripe for $7 billion, according to Anthony Ha’s article on Bitcoin World. Router’s current offerings are more limited but include major providers. Ramp’s service focuses on integration with its expense management platform, which could differentiate it in the market.
What does this mean for businesses and the AI market?
For businesses, Router offers a way to manage AI costs and model selection more efficiently, with a dashboard for monitoring spend and performance. For the AI market, Ramp’s entry adds another player in the model routing space, potentially increasing competition and driving innovation in AI inference management. As companies increasingly rely on multiple AI models, routing services like Router could become essential tools for cost optimization and performance.
Conclusion
Ramp’s launch of Router marks a strategic move into the AI inference market, leveraging its existing expense management expertise. With free access through 2026 and a focus on user control, Router could attract businesses looking to manage AI costs. The service’s success will depend on its adoption and the competitive landscape, but it represents a notable development in the intersection of fintech and AI infrastructure.
FAQs
Q1: What is Ramp’s Router?
Router is an AI model routing service by Ramp that lets users access and switch between various large language models through an API. It offers strategies for routing requests based on user preferences, such as cost or performance benchmarks.
Q2: How much does Router cost?
Router is free to use for the remainder of 2026, but users must pay for AI model inference costs. Ramp also offers a $26 credit launch offer. Pricing for 2027 has not been announced.
Q3: Which AI models are available on Router?
Router provides access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Moonshot, Minimax, Nvidia, xAI, and Z.ai.
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