# Get an API key: OpenAI

> An OpenAI key belongs to a project inside an organisation, and that choice is made at creation - it decides the model set and the budget.

- Canonical: https://big-agi.com/docs/connect-openai
- Minimum tier: open  [Open ⊂ Free ⊂ Pro - a tier only ever ADDS to the Open baseline]
- Kind: provider · Last content update generation: 2026-07-27 · Review by: 2026-10-27
- Answers: Where do I create an OpenAI API key? · My key works but it says I have no quota - why? · How do I set a monthly limit on my OpenAI account?

Every OpenAI key belongs to one project inside one organisation, and you pick that project while creating it. The project decides which models the key reaches and which budget it charges. It is an API platform account, billing separately from any ChatGPT plan on the same email.

## Where the key is issued

1. Open [platform.openai.com/settings/organization/api-keys](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/api-keys).
2. Choose the project as you create the key. This is the moment the scope is settled.
3. Copy the string straight away; the console shows it once.

## The balance that funds it

An organisation runs on a [prepaid credit balance](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8264644-how-can-i-set-up-prepaid-billing). Top up the balance; requests draw it down. Enabling auto-recharge refills the balance on its own, which removes the ceiling the deposit gave you.

## Putting it in Big-AGI

Open **Models** (`Ctrl + Shift + M`) and press **More Services** if the **Setup AI Models** wizard appears. Then **Add** -> **OpenAI**, paste into **API Key**, and press **Models** - the list filling in below is your confirmation ([add and manage your keys](/docs/connect-models)).

## Setting the limit

Limits live at [Settings -> Limits](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/limits), on the organisation and again per project if you keep work apart. Fill **Organization ID** under **Advanced** only when the account holds more than one organisation.

## Direct Connection

Direct Connection can be turned on once a key **or** a custom **API Host** is set - a host by itself is enough here. It starts off.

> **Direct Connection works only with your API key stored in the browser**, and with an AI service that permits direct browser calls (CORS). Where it cannot be used, requests route through the Big-AGI fast edge servers instead - everything still works, within the standard upload size and time limits.

## Related

- [Connect an AI service](/docs/connect-models)
- [Connect any OpenAI-compatible endpoint](/docs/connect-custom-endpoints)