Cosmos RPC
What is Cosmos?
Cosmos is a decentralized network of interoperable blockchains, often called the “Internet of Blockchains.” Built with the Cosmos SDK, it lets developers create scalable, application-specific chains while the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol enables secure asset and data transfers across them. This design allows each blockchain to remain sovereign yet connected, fostering a more efficient and collaborative ecosystem.
Interacting With Cosmos APIs
Cosmos nodes expose gRPC and REST interfaces that allow developers to interact with the blockchain programmatically. This means you can query balances, transactions, and state; broadcast transactions; access staking, governance, and distribution data; and monitor validators, network status, and other chain activity.
You can connect by running your own Cosmos node with gRPC/REST enabled, or by using a hosted provider such as QuickNode, which offers reliable, low-latency access without the need to manage infrastructure.
However, because Cosmos chains are modular, some endpoints or behaviors may differ depending on the network. The QuickNode Cosmos documentation is continuously updated, but we recommend cross-referencing with the official Cosmos SDK documentation for the latest API details.
Make Cosmos API Calls
The quickest way to start building on Cosmos is to create a QuickNode endpoint and send your first request.
QuickNode provides managed Cosmos endpoints, offering:
- High reliability — globally distributed infrastructure designed to minimize downtime
- Archive data — full historical state for in-depth queries
- Enhanced performance — optimized latency and request handling for production-grade apps
Visit the QuickStart page to create your endpoint and send your first request.
Supported Networks
QuickNode provides access to multiple Cosmos networks.
QuickNode's Cosmos endpoints now provide archive data access starting from block height 5200791, which corresponds to the beginning of the Cosmoshub-4 chain. Please note that data from previous chain versions (Cosmoshub-1, Cosmoshub-2, and Cosmoshub-3) is not available.
To query historical data, use the x-cosmos-block-height header with REST API requests or specify the height parameter with Tendermint API requests:
Cosmos REST API Example:
curl --location 'https://docs-demo.cosmos-mainnet.quiknode.pro/cosmos/bank/v1beta1/balances/cosmos1t6rlgf80jd8tanpnnvmmxfqdcm9cn7wctrs7hk' \
--header 'x-cosmos-block-height: 5200791'
Tendermint API Example:
curl --location 'https://docs-demo.cosmos-mainnet.quiknode.pro/block?height=5200791'
Complete reference for developers building on Cosmos with QuickNode:
QuickStart
Get started with Cosmos quickly. Follow our step-by-step quickstart to set up your endpoint and make your first API request.
Provider Endpoints
Learn how to configure and manage your Cosmos endpoints for optimal performance and reliability.
API Overview
Explore supported APIs, networks, QuickNode products, and enhanced API features for building powerful applications.
Marketplace
Discover and integrate powerful add-ons and tools from the QuickNode Marketplace to enhance your web3 applications.
Endpoint Security
Secure your endpoints with authentication, whitelisting, and best security practices.
Error Codes
Understand common error codes and troubleshooting steps for Cosmos API requests.