Is there any way to test the api for free?

[EricGT]

See:

How can I get Free Trial Credits?

Yes, it is not only $5. It used to be $18, our internal data showed that people were able to make ~750 API calls with the $5 which was enough to get a feel for how to use the API (which is the whole goal of free trial credits). Also note, you only get free credits for the first account associated with your phone number. Subsequent accounts are not granted free credits.

Who is Logan you may wonder.