Three methods to automate prepaid API balance monitoring for fintech platforms

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A developer working on a platform dependent on prepaid APIs — including SMS gateways and identity verification services — built three solutions after their manager requested balance checks three times daily. The options range from a manually updated Excel spreadsheet to a Python script with a cron job for full automation, and a semi-automated approach using Office Scripts combined with Power Automate. The article highlights common spreadsheet design mistakes, such as storing multiple balances in one cell or using wide column layouts, and recommends a structured row-per-service format with plain numeric values. Rather than fixed low-balance thresholds, the author suggests tracking days of remaining runway based on average daily spend. The guide uses African fintech APIs — Termii, Dojah, and Africa's Talking — as examples, but notes the approach applies to any service with a balance endpoint.

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