Connecting your OpenAI (ChatGPT) account

GPT is the family of models behind ChatGPT.

Before you start#

• An OpenAI login. Your ChatGPT account works.
• A card. $5 of prepaid credit is the usual minimum.
• Your phone, in case OpenAI texts a code to confirm your number.
• Somewhere safe for the key.

1. Open the OpenAI API keys page on this computer and sign in.

   https://platform.openai.com/api-keysCopy

   The key is shown only once, so one made on a phone has to be mailed to yourself.

2. Add a payment method under Settings → Billing, and set a monthly limit.

   ChatGPT Plus doesn’t include an API key or any API credit. The API bills separately.

3. Click Create new secret key and give it a name.

   My AgentCopy

4. Copy the key. It starts with sk-.

5. Paste it in the box above.

You’ll know it worked when#

Within seconds, the AI account row reads “✓ ChatGPT (by OpenAI)” in green.

If something goes wrong#

• Refused right away: copy the whole key again, from sk- to the last character.
• Replies mention quota or billing: a card on file doesn’t put money on the account. Add an amount under Settings → Billing.
• Worked, then went quiet: you may have reached your monthly limit. Raise it, or wait for next month.