How to Get Your Claude API Key

Before you start

Claude Platform (formerly known as Anthropic Console) is separate from the Claude chatbot at claude.ai. You need a Claude Platform account specifically to use the API. Plan on about 3 minutes from sign-up to a working key.

Step 1, Create an Anthropic account

Open Claude Platform →

1. Click Sign Up, or Log In if you already have an account.
2. Sign up with your Google account or with an email address and password.
3. Verify your email if prompted.

Step 2, Add billing

1. Open this page: platform.claude.com/settings/billing (if you're logged out, Claude Platform will send you to login first, then drop you right on the Billing page).
2. Click Add Payment Method and enter your credit card.
3. Add credits to your account. You can start with $5 to $10.

Claude API is pay-as-you-go. You only pay for what you use, and a few dollars will go a long way when you're just getting started.

Step 3, Generate your API key

1. Open this page: platform.claude.com/settings/keys.
2. Click Create Key.
3. Give your key a descriptive name like "Workshop Key" or "My First Key".
4. Click Create Key to generate it.
5. Your key will appear. It starts with sk-ant-...

Important. Copy your API key immediately and save it somewhere safe. Anthropic only shows it once. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new one.

Step 4, Store your key safely

Good places to save your API key:

• Password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass
• Secure note on your computer
• Environment variable on your system, for developers

Never share your API key publicly, commit it to code repositories, or paste it into untrusted websites. Anyone with your key can use your account and run up charges.

Verify it worked

To confirm your key is live, paste it into any tool that accepts a Claude API key, or test it quickly in the API Workbench inside your Claude Platform account. Many AI-powered apps will ask you to "enter your API key". Just paste your sk-ant-... key into the field provided.