> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.useproxy.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Authenticate with the Proxy API

# Authentication

All API requests require authentication using a Bearer token.

## API Keys

Get your API key from the [Proxy Dashboard](https://dashboard.useproxy.ai).

<Warning>
  Keep your API keys secure. Never expose them in client-side code or public repositories.
</Warning>

## Using Your API Key

Include your API key in the `Authorization` header:

```bash theme={"system"}
curl https://api.useproxy.ai/v1/customers \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_live_xxxxx"
```

## Test vs Live Keys

| Key Prefix | Environment                        |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------- |
| `sk_test_` | Test mode - no real transactions   |
| `sk_live_` | Live mode - real card transactions |

## Test Mode

Use test mode keys to develop and test your integration without processing real transactions.

```bash theme={"system"}
# Test mode request
curl https://api.useproxy.ai/v1/customers \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_test_xxxxx"
```

Test mode:

* Creates test customers and cards
* Simulates transactions
* No real money movement

## Key Security

Best practices for API key security:

1. **Never commit keys** - Use environment variables
2. **Rotate regularly** - Generate new keys periodically
3. **Limit scope** - Use separate keys for different environments
4. **Monitor usage** - Check API logs for unexpected activity

## Revoking Keys

If a key is compromised, revoke it immediately from the dashboard:

1. Go to Settings → API Keys
2. Click the key to revoke
3. Confirm revocation

Revoked keys immediately stop working.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Make your first API call
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Full API documentation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>