# Get an Outrun API key

> Get an Outrun API key in three steps: sign in with Google or Telegram, top up from $1, copy your sk-rs- key. One key works for every model and API format.

Sign in at outrun.to with Google or Telegram, or open [@outrunAPI_Bot](https://t.me/outrunAPI_Bot), top up from $1 with crypto or a prepaid code, then copy your key from API keys. The key starts with `sk-rs-` and works with every model at `https://api.outrun.to/v1`.

[Get your API key](https://outrun.to/overview)[See every price](https://outrun.to/discounted-ai-api)

$0.10 free API credit for eligible new accounts.

Three steps, one key for every model

## How do I get a key?

Three steps. The web dashboard and the Telegram bot share one account and one balance.

1. 01
  ### Sign in
  On [outrun.to](https://outrun.to/overview), choose Continue with Google or Continue with Telegram. In Telegram, open [@outrunAPI_Bot](https://t.me/outrunAPI_Bot) instead. Eligible new accounts get $0.10 of free API credit.
2. 02
  ### Add credit
  Top up from $1 with crypto, or redeem a prepaid code. [How to pay with crypto](https://outrun.to/pay-with-crypto).
3. 03
  ### Copy your key
  Open [API keys](https://outrun.to/api-keys) on the web, or My API key in the bot, and copy the key. It starts with `sk-rs-`. You can create more keys and give each one a spending cap.

## Which base URL goes with my app?

Apps add the request path, such as `/chat/completions`, themselves. The [API reference](https://outrun.to/docs/api) lists every endpoint.

| Format | Base URL | Used by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OpenAI-compatible | `https://api.outrun.to/v1` | OpenAI SDKs, Codex, OpenCode, Cline, most apps |
| Anthropic Messages | `https://api.outrun.to` | Claude Code and Anthropic SDKs (no /v1) |
| Gemini native | `https://api.outrun.to/v1/gemini-cli` | Gemini CLI and Google Gen AI SDKs |

## How do I test my key?

Check your balance first, then send one short request. `deepseek-v4.1-flash` costs $0.30 in / $1.20 out per 1M tokens.

Test from a terminal

```
export OUTRUN_API_KEY="KEY"   # your Outrun key

# Check your balance
curl https://api.outrun.to/v1/account \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $OUTRUN_API_KEY"

# First request (uses credit)
curl https://api.outrun.to/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $OUTRUN_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"model":"deepseek-v4.1-flash","messages":[{"role":"user","content":"Reply with OK only."}]}'
```

Prices as of 2026-10-29 16:34 ET, from the live price feed.

## How do I keep my key safe?

Treat it like a password.

- Keep it in an environment variable such as `OUTRUN_API_KEY`, never in client-side code or a repository.
- Never paste it into an AI chat or a screenshot.
- Give each app its own key with a spending cap, so one leak cannot drain your balance.
- If a key leaks, replace it in API keys.
- Outrun does not store your prompts, images or outputs unless you choose to save them.

## API key questions

Setup guides for each tool are in the [guides hub](https://outrun.to/guides).

### How do I get an Outrun API key?

Sign in at outrun.to with Google or Telegram (or open @outrunAPI_Bot), top up from $1 with crypto or a prepaid code, then copy your key from API keys. It starts with sk-rs-.

### Is there free credit?

Eligible new accounts get $0.10 of free API credit, enough for a first test request.

### Do I need a card?

No. Outrun does not bill cards. Top up with crypto from $1 or redeem a prepaid code.

### Which base URL do I use?

https://api.outrun.to/v1 for OpenAI-compatible apps, https://api.outrun.to (no /v1) for Claude Code and the Anthropic SDKs, and https://api.outrun.to/v1/gemini-cli for Gemini native clients.

### How do I check my balance?

Send GET https://api.outrun.to/v1/account with your key as a Bearer token. The reply shows your credit in USD. The Balance page shows it too.

### What if my key leaks?

Replace it in API keys right away. The old key stops working, and apps need the new one.

### Does Outrun keep my prompts?

Outrun does not store your prompts, images or outputs unless you choose to save them.

## Related pages

- [Guides **All setup guides**](https://outrun.to/guides)
- [Pricing **Every model price**](https://outrun.to/discounted-ai-api)
- [Billing **Pay with crypto**](https://outrun.to/pay-with-crypto)
- [Docs **Claude Code setup**](https://outrun.to/docs/setup/claude)
- [Docs **API reference**](https://outrun.to/docs/api)
- [Dashboard **Sign in**](https://outrun.to/overview)

---
Source: https://outrun.to/get-api-key
Outrun: https://outrun.to/ | API base: https://api.outrun.to/v1 | Prices (JSON): https://api.outrun.to/pricing | Docs: https://outrun.to/docs/