ModelRefs / API Key — AI Glossary
API Key — AI Glossary
A secret credential used to authenticate requests to an LLM API, authorizing usage and linking consumption to a billing account.
Overview
API keys are passed in the Authorization header (Bearer token) or as a request parameter. They should be kept secret (never committed to source code), stored in environment variables or secrets managers (AWS Secrets Manager, Vault, Doppler), rotated periodically, and scoped by IP allowlist or usage limits where the provider supports it.
Reference details
| Topic | ecosystem |
|---|---|
| Also known as | API token, secret key |
| Last reviewed | 2026-06-24 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is API Key?
A secret credential used to authenticate requests to an LLM API, authorizing usage and linking consumption to a billing account.
Is API Key the same as API token?
Yes — API token, secret key are common aliases for API Key.
What concepts are related to API Key?
Closely related concepts include sdk, rate limiting, openai api.