InsufficientBalanceError
deepseek.errors.InsufficientBalanceError
Stack trace
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "app.py", line 42, in <module>
response = client.query('some query') # triggers error
File "/usr/local/lib/python3.9/site-packages/deepseek/client.py", line 88, in query
raise InsufficientBalanceError('Account balance too low for this request')
deepseek.errors.InsufficientBalanceError: Account balance too low for this request Why it happens
This error occurs because the DeepSeek API checks the user's account balance before processing queries. If the balance is insufficient to cover the cost of the requested operation, the API raises this error to prevent overdraft or unpaid usage.
Detection
Monitor API responses for InsufficientBalanceError exceptions or error messages indicating low balance, and log account balance status before making requests to avoid unexpected failures.
Causes & fixes
User account balance is below the minimum required to execute the query.
Add funds to the DeepSeek account via the billing portal or API before retrying the request.
Billing information is outdated or payment method failed, causing balance not to update.
Verify and update payment methods in the DeepSeek dashboard to ensure automatic balance replenishment.
The query cost estimate exceeds the current balance due to large or complex requests.
Reduce query size or complexity to lower cost, or increase account balance to cover the request.
Code: broken vs fixed
import os
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(api_key=os.environ['DEEPSEEK_API_KEY'], base_url='https://api.deepseek.com')
# This line triggers InsufficientBalanceError if balance is too low
response = client.chat.completions.create(model='gpt-4o-mini', messages=[{'role':'user','content':'Find all documents about AI advancements'}])import os
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(api_key=os.environ['DEEPSEEK_API_KEY'], base_url='https://api.deepseek.com')
# Ensure account has sufficient balance before querying
try:
response = client.chat.completions.create(model='gpt-4o-mini', messages=[{'role':'user','content':'Find all documents about AI advancements'}])
print(response.choices[0].message.content)
except Exception as e:
if 'InsufficientBalanceError' in str(e):
print('Error: Insufficient balance. Please add funds to your account.')
else:
raiseWorkaround
Catch the InsufficientBalanceError exception, notify the user to add funds, and optionally queue the request to retry after balance is replenished.
Prevention
Implement balance checks before sending queries by calling DeepSeek's balance API endpoint and alert users proactively to top up funds before running costly operations.