API keys and limits

Create a key in the web console and enter it in your coding tool or program. Separate keys for different tools make charges easier to track.

Create a key

1. Open API keys and click Create key.
2. Enter a recognizable name, such as “Codex development” or “WorkBuddy”.
3. Set a limit if needed and complete the required identity verification.
4. Copy and save the full key immediately. It cannot be viewed again after closing.
5. Follow the guide for your tool to enter the endpoint, key, and model ID.

If the create button is unavailable, refresh and check account permissions. Contact support if it remains unavailable.

Set a spending limit

Type	Behavior
Unlimited	No separate key spending cap; account balance still applies.
Daily	Resets at the start of each calendar day in the selected time zone. Unused allowance does not carry over.
Monthly	Resets at the start of each calendar month in the selected time zone. Unused allowance does not carry over.
Fixed total	Uses cumulative spending since key creation. Changing the cap does not clear past usage.

Choose Set limit in an existing key’s actions to adjust it. A limit of 0 prevents paid usage by that key.

A key limit is a spending cap and does not add account balance. Requests may fail if either the key reaches its cap or the account lacks balance.

View usage by key

Click Usage records for a key to open usage already filtered to it. Check model, time, input and output usage, and charges; see Usage and billing details.

Replace or delete a key

Delete a key if exposed or no longer needed. Requests using it will stop working. Update tools to a new key before deleting an old key that is still in use.

Keep full keys out of public code, browser frontend code, and screenshots.