Feature request for product/service
API Keys
Describe the request
I’d like to share a product suggestion that I think could help Cursor reach a much wider group of users.
Right now, there seems to be a big gap between the free plan and the paid plans, especially for people who mainly want to use their own API keys and models. Many users do not necessarily need large included usage, premium quotas, or full access to Cursor-managed models. What they really want is the Cursor experience itself: the editor integration, workflow, UX, codebase awareness, and AI-native development environment.
In that sense, Cursor has the opportunity to become the JetBrains of the AI era, not just by offering top-tier plans, but also by offering a very accessible entry-level paid plan.
My suggestion is to consider a lower-cost BYOK-focused starter tier, something around $5/month, with a simpler scope such as:
Allow custom API / BYOK usage
Lower included limits than Pro
Limited or reduced premium usage
Focus on the core Cursor IDE experience rather than bundled model credits
I think this kind of plan could be very attractive for:
Students and hobbyists who have their own API providers
Developers in regions where current pricing is relatively expensive
Users who want to adopt Cursor gradually before committing to a higher-tier subscription
People who value Cursor as a product, but do not need heavy built-in model usage
From a product positioning perspective, this could expand the user base without necessarily cannibalizing Pro, because it targets a different audience: users who are price-sensitive and mostly want BYOK access, not high bundled usage.
In short, I think there is room for a lightweight paid tier between Free and Pro:
a plan that is inexpensive, practical, and centered on letting users bring their own API while still paying for the Cursor experience.
I’d be very interested to hear whether the team has considered something like this.
Operating System (if it applies)
MacOS