Claude API Key
Anthropic's Claude models are accessed through the Anthropic console. The API uses a prepaid credit system, so you need to purchase credits before your key can process requests.
Prerequisites
You need the following:
An email address or Google account
A credit card for purchasing API credits (minimum $5)
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the steps to set up the Claude API key:
Go to console.anthropic.com and create your developer account using an email address or a single sign-on (SSO) provider.
If using an SSO provider, enter the email address and the password. Review the displayed information and click Continue. If you are not using an SSO provider, validate your email address, click the link sent to your email address, or check your inbox for the verification code, input the verification code in the Enter verification code field, and click Verify Email Address to proceed.
On the Start building with Claude page, enter your name in the What's your full name? and What should we call you? fields, select the I am at least 18 years old... checkbox, and then click Continue.
On the What type of account sounds right? page, select an account type, such as Individual or Organization.
Optional: If Organization is selected, you will be redirected to Let's get your organization details page, enter a name in the Organization name field, fill out the remaining organization and usage details, and then click Create Account.
On the Claude Console dashboard, click Buy Credits.
Verify your billing address, and purchase an initial amount of credits (minimum $5). You can also configure auto-reload so your account stays funded.
Tip:. To process requests with your API key, you must purchase credits for your account
In the navigation menu, click API keys, and then click Create Key.
In the Create API key dialog, select a workspace in the Create in Workspace list, enter a name in the Name your key field, and then click Add.
In the Save your API key dialog, click Copy key, and then click Close.
Important: Your key is shown only once for security reasons. Store it securely. Set it as an environment variable named ANTHROPIC_API_KEY. Never commit it to a public repository.
Test your key
Anthropic uses the x-api-key header (not a Bearer token). Use the official Anthropic Python or TypeScript SDK, or test with a curl request to the /v1/messages endpoint.
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