Guide

Get Your ChatGPT (OpenAI) API Key — Step by Step

Follow these steps exactly. You will end with an OpenAI Secret API key you can paste into Auto Article AI (AAAI). This page focuses on “what to click” and “where to go,” with direct links to the correct screens.

Keep it secret: Your API key is like a password. Never post it publicly. If you think it leaked, revoke it and create a new one.

Before you start

  • You need a desktop browser (Chrome/Edge/Safari is fine).
  • Prepare a secure place to store your key (password manager recommended).
  • If you plan to use advanced models or certain features, you may need a government-issued ID for verification later. (See Step 4.)
Good news: You can usually create an API key in a few minutes. Billing/verification can take longer depending on your situation.
Step 1

Create an OpenAI account (or sign in)

  1. Open this page in a new tab:
    Open OpenAI Developer Platform https://platform.openai.com/
  2. On the sign-in screen:
    • If you do NOT have an account → click Sign up.
    • If you already have an account → click Log in.
  3. Complete the login / sign-up flow. After success, you should land on the OpenAI dashboard.
  4. If you belong to multiple organizations:
    • Use the organization switcher (usually near the top) and select the organization you want to use.
    • All keys and billing are linked to the selected organization/project.
What you should see: A dashboard with a left sidebar (or top navigation). If you cannot access the dashboard, finish sign-in first.
Step 2

Create your Secret API key (the one you will paste into AAAI)

The fastest method is to open the API Keys page directly:

Open API Keys page https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
  1. Confirm you are on the API Keys page. You should see a list/table of keys (or an empty state).
  2. Click the button:
    + Create new secret key
    If you do not see it, check you are signed in and in the correct organization/project.
  3. In the modal/dialog:
    • Set a name like AAAI / wpaaai / production (anything recognizable).
    • If permissions are shown, keep default unless you know you must restrict it.
  4. Click Create (or the confirm button).
  5. Immediately copy the key:
    • Use the copy icon/button next to the key.
    • Paste it into a safe place (password manager or secure notes).
    • Do not close the modal until you have copied it. Keys are often shown only once.
  6. Quick safety check:
    • The key usually starts with something like sk-... (format may vary).
    • Never store it in public code repositories.
Result: You now have a Secret API key saved somewhere safe.
Step 3

Set up Billing and spend limits (recommended)

If billing is not configured, API calls may fail with quota / payment errors. Set spend limits so you can control costs.

Open Billing (Organization) https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/billing/overview
  1. On the billing screen, locate Payment Methods. Click Add payment method and complete the form.
  2. If your account uses credits, find Buy credits and add credits. Some organizations use card billing, others use credits depending on configuration.
  3. Find Usage Limits (or Spend limits) and set a monthly cap you are comfortable with. This is how you keep costs predictable.
  4. After changing billing settings, refresh the page once.
Tip: If you already created an API key before billing was set, and you keep seeing quota errors, revoke the old key and create a new one.
Step 4

Organization verification

Some advanced models/features require verification. If you see an error like “Your organization must be verified …”, complete this step.

Open Organization → General https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/general
  1. On Organization → General, find the button:
    Verify Organization
  2. Click Verify Organization. A verification flow will open (often via a trusted verification provider).
  3. Prepare a valid government-issued ID (unexpired). Follow the on-screen instructions:
    • Upload photos of the ID as requested.
    • You may be asked to take a selfie.
    • Do not use scans/screenshots if the flow says “photo only.”
  4. Submit and wait for the status to update. It can take some time for access to propagate; reloading helps.
  5. If verification is completed but access still fails:
    • Log out and log back in.
    • Create a new API key (Step 2) — this often fixes lingering “not verified” messages.
Important: A single ID may not be reusable for verifying multiple organizations within a short period (policy restrictions may apply).
Step 5

Final checklist (you are done)

  • You can access the OpenAI dashboard (Step 1).
  • You created a Secret API key and saved it safely (Step 2).
  • Billing is set and usage limits are configured (Step 3).
  • (If required) Organization verification is completed (Step 4).
Next: Paste the API key into Auto Article AI (AAAI) where it asks for your OpenAI API key, then run a small test generation.

Troubleshooting (common issues)

I don’t see “Create new secret key”
  • Make sure you are signed in: open https://platform.openai.com/ and confirm you see the dashboard.
  • Open the API keys page directly: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
  • If you have multiple orgs/projects, switch to the correct one and reload.
I get “quota”, “billing”, or “payment required” errors
  • Open billing: https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/billing/overview
  • Add a payment method and set usage limits.
  • After billing changes, create a new API key and try again.
I get “organization must be verified”
  • Open: https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/general
  • Click “Verify Organization” and complete the ID flow.
  • Wait, then create a new API key if needed.

Need to manage your AAAI subscription? Use self-cancel / self-manage here: Self-manage billing.