# Introduction (/docs)

One API key for every model in the catalog, billed per token from a prepaid US-dollar balance.



cheapaimodel is a model gateway. You create an API key in the [console](https://console.cheapaimodel.ai), top up a dollar balance, and call models over the APIs your tools already speak.

## What you get [#what-you-get]

* **Two wire formats, one key.** OpenAI-style endpoints (`/v1/chat/completions`, `/v1/responses`, `/v1/embeddings`) and the Anthropic Messages endpoint (`/v1/messages`) share the same key and balance. Each model lists the endpoints it supports in the [model catalog](/models).
* **Drop-in for existing SDKs.** Point the official OpenAI SDK at our base URL, or the Anthropic SDK for models that list `/v1/messages`; no new client library.
* **Transparent pricing.** Every model lists its input and output price per million tokens in the [model catalog](/models). Usage is deducted from your balance as you go.
* **Keys you can fence in.** Give each app its own key with an expiry date, a spending budget, a model allowlist or an IP allowlist.

## Base URLs [#base-urls]

| Format                                  | Base URL                         |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| OpenAI SDKs and OpenAI-compatible tools | `https://api.cheapaimodel.ai/v1` |
| Anthropic SDKs and Claude Code          | `https://api.cheapaimodel.ai`    |

The Anthropic SDKs append `/v1/messages` themselves, so their base URL has no `/v1`.

<Cards>
  <Card title="Quickstart" href="/docs/quickstart" description="Create a key and make your first request in five minutes." />

  <Card title="API Reference" href="/docs/api" description="Base URL, authentication and every endpoint, with request and response schemas." />
</Cards>