Create a Claude API key in the Claude Console, buy credits, pick a model, and make your first Claude call from your app's server.
Set me up with a Claude API key and wire it into my backend
How it works
- Open the Claude Console: Vovy opens platform.claude.com, Anthropic's developer console. It is separate from a Claude.ai chat subscription. You sign in yourself.
- Buy starting credits: Without credits, every call fails with "Your credit balance is too low". Vovy opens Billing and waits for you to approve the purchase.
- Create a workspace and key: Vovy creates a workspace for your app, then an API key in it. Workspaces give each app its own keys and spend limit.
- Save the key on your server: Vovy stores ANTHROPIC_API_KEY as a server secret, then asks Claude Code to add a small backend function that calls the Messages API.
- Make a test call: Vovy calls your function and shows the reply, the model used and the token count on a card.
What you provide
- An Anthropic account
- A card for credits
- A backend to hold the key
What you get
- A workspace-scoped Claude API key
- A server function that calls Claude
- A tested request with token usage
FAQ
Does my Claude Pro plan include API access?
No. Claude.ai plans and the API are billed separately. The API is pay as you go in the Claude Console.
Which model should I start with?
Start with a mid-tier Sonnet model for quality, and try a Haiku model for fast, cheap tasks like tagging or short replies.
Why do I get a 401 error?
The key is wrong, revoked, or not being sent in the x-api-key header. Vovy checks each one.
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