Workaround for OpenAI Rate Limits on Tier 1 Enrichments

Jibran K. · 2025-11-13T01:52:30.066Z

hey guys, I just started and noticed the enrichments take too long due to rate limits with my OpenAI. I am on Tier 1. While I understand that I have to spend at least $50 before I can updgrade to tier 2, is there a quick workaround while that takes place? Would really appreciate the update

Workaround for OpenAI Rate Limits on Tier 1 Enrichments | Clay

11 comments

· Sorted by Oldest

Clay Support
APP
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Unfortunately, there's no quick workaround for OpenAI Tier 1 rate limits. Clay requires 30,000 TPM for "Content generation" columns and 450,000 TPM for Claygent, which Tier 1 doesn't support.
While waiting for your Tier 2 upgrade, you can:
Process data in smaller batches (around 50 rows at a time)
Use conditional runs to limit which rows get enriched
Clay is deploying features like retries and smarter pacing to better handle rate limits, but the fundamental TPM requirements remain. [1]
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Was that helpful?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help managing the rate limits or have other questions about your enrichment process, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?
Jibran K.
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thanks for the update, I am a little confused. It looks like I am way above that limit for 30K TPM content generation already. Do I have to request it or am I reading this picture wrong. see below
Loading attachments
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're reading it correctly! Your screenshot shows you have access to models with higher TPM limits on Tier 1, including GPT-4o-mini variants with 200,000-400,000 TPM. [1]
For Clay's "Content generation" columns, you need 30,000 TPM, which several models in your screenshot support (like gpt-4-0314 and gpt-4o-mini). These limits are automatically available - no request needed.
Try using one of the higher TPM models like GPT-4o-mini for your enrichments to avoid rate limiting issues.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Was that helpful?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with understanding or managing your OpenAI rate limits, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to resolve or clarify regarding your enrichment process?
Hunain F.
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·
Yeah tier 1 keys have strict rate limits which slow down enrichments. The best workaround is to use a higher tier key Tier 2 or above or temporarily connect another verified OpenAI account until your upgrade is active.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're absolutely right! Tier 1 keys have strict rate limits that slow enrichments. Using a Tier 2+ key or temporarily connecting another verified OpenAI account are the best workarounds.
For reliable performance, our system requires 30,000 TPM for "Content generation" columns and 450,000 TPM for Claygent - which Tier 1 doesn't support. [1]
To upgrade to Tier 2, you'll need the minimum required balance in your OpenAI account.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Does that help clarify your upgrade options?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help with managing your OpenAI rate limits or upgrading your tier, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?

Clay Support
APP
·
·
Unfortunately, there's no quick workaround for OpenAI Tier 1 rate limits. Clay requires 30,000 TPM for "Content generation" columns and 450,000 TPM for Claygent, which Tier 1 doesn't support.
While waiting for your Tier 2 upgrade, you can:
Process data in smaller batches (around 50 rows at a time)
Use conditional runs to limit which rows get enriched
Clay is deploying features like retries and smarter pacing to better handle rate limits, but the fundamental TPM requirements remain. [1]
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Was that helpful?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help managing the rate limits or have other questions about your enrichment process, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?
Jibran K.
·
·
thanks for the update, I am a little confused. It looks like I am way above that limit for 30K TPM content generation already. Do I have to request it or am I reading this picture wrong. see below
Loading attachments
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're reading it correctly! Your screenshot shows you have access to models with higher TPM limits on Tier 1, including GPT-4o-mini variants with 200,000-400,000 TPM. [1]
For Clay's "Content generation" columns, you need 30,000 TPM, which several models in your screenshot support (like gpt-4-0314 and gpt-4o-mini). These limits are automatically available - no request needed.
Try using one of the higher TPM models like GPT-4o-mini for your enrichments to avoid rate limiting issues.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Was that helpful?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with understanding or managing your OpenAI rate limits, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to resolve or clarify regarding your enrichment process?
Hunain F.
·
·
Yeah tier 1 keys have strict rate limits which slow down enrichments. The best workaround is to use a higher tier key Tier 2 or above or temporarily connect another verified OpenAI account until your upgrade is active.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're absolutely right! Tier 1 keys have strict rate limits that slow enrichments. Using a Tier 2+ key or temporarily connecting another verified OpenAI account are the best workarounds.
For reliable performance, our system requires 30,000 TPM for "Content generation" columns and 450,000 TPM for Claygent - which Tier 1 doesn't support. [1]
To upgrade to Tier 2, you'll need the minimum required balance in your OpenAI account.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Does that help clarify your upgrade options?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help with managing your OpenAI rate limits or upgrading your tier, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?