Get an OpenAI API key

Step by step on OpenAI's site, for Rectoly. Make an account, add US$5 or more of credit, create a key, copy it and paste it into Rectoly. Then how to keep spending in check and how to delete the key.

Applies to Every edition Windows · Linux · Mac · iPad · Android Included in the purchase

Before you start

OpenAI is the company behind ChatGPT. Its API is paid in advance; without credit, the key does not work in Rectoly.

  • An email address to sign up with
  • A mobile phone that can receive a text message: the first key needs a code sent by SMS (or WhatsApp in some countries)
  • A payment method such as a credit card, and at least US$5
  • If you are under 18, a parent's or guardian's consent
  • A ChatGPT subscription does not help here: the API is billed separately, even if you pay for ChatGPT Plus

These steps follow OpenAI's own help pages as of 2026-10-23 (sources at the end). The exact wording of buttons can change.

1. Make an account

Open platform.openai.com and sign up, or log in. You can use the account you use for ChatGPT.

2. Add credit

  1. Open Billing.
  2. Press Add payment details and enter your payment method.
  3. Choose the amount. The smallest is US$5.
  4. Use auto-reload is turned on at first. Turn it off unless you want OpenAI to buy more credit automatically.
  5. Confirm the purchase. The balance may take a few minutes to appear.
  • Credit you buy expires after one year and is not refunded.

3. Create a key

  1. Open API keys. In Rectoly, Get a key opens this page.
  2. Press + Create new secret key.
  3. The first time, OpenAI asks for your phone number and sends a code. Enter it.
  4. You can give the key a name, such as "Rectoly". Leave the other choices as they are, and create the key.

4. Copy the key

Copy the key now. OpenAI shows the whole key only this once. If you lose it, delete it and create a new one.

5. Paste it into Rectoly

In Rectoly, open Settings › AI and choose Your own API key (the first time, read the notice and agree). Under Quick setup, choose OpenAI as the AI company and press Paste and check. When In use: appears, you are done. More: Paste the key into Rectoly.

Keep spending in check

  • Keep auto-reload off. Then OpenAI stops when your credit runs out, and you spend about what you put in.
  • On the Limits page you can set an alert for when spending reaches an amount you choose.
  • What one paper costs: What it costs.

Delete the key

On the API keys page, press the trash can next to the key. A deleted key no longer works anywhere, Rectoly included.

Sources (OpenAI, checked 2026-10-23): Where do I find my API key?, Phone verification, Prepaid billing, Managing projects, Billing for ChatGPT and the API, Production best practices.

Updated October 23, 2026