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

# Setting up your API credentials

> This guide walks you through obtaining and using your Conduit API credentials so you can authenticate your requests.

**In this guide, you'll learn how to:**

* Obtain your API credentials
* Authenticate requests using your credentials
* Use API versioning to maintain backward compatibility

## **Step 1: Create an account**

Start by creating an account on the [Conduit Dashboard](https://portal.conduit.financial/app/).\
Once registered, you’ll have access to your organization’s workspace and can configure API access.

## **Step 2: Generate your API credentials**

Navigate to **API Keys** in the [dashboard](https://portal.conduit.financial/app/) to generate your **API key** and **secret**.

**For sandbox:** Toggle to "Sandbox On" (top right) before generating credentials.

Store credentials securely in your `.env` file or secrets manager.

<Note>
  No API Keys section? You need admin or developer permissions. Contact your account manager for access.
</Note>

## **Step 3: Authenticate your requests**

Use the `X-API-Key` and `X-API-Secret` headers in every request.

Here’s an example showing how to authenticate a [customer](/core-concepts/customers) creation request:

```bash theme={null}
curl --request POST \
  --url https://api.conduit.financial/customers \
  --header "X-API-Key: your_api_key" \
  --header "X-API-Secret: your_api_secret" \
  --header "Content-Type: application/json" \
  --header "Api-Version: 2024-12-01" \
  --data '{
    "name": "John Doe"
  }'
```

## Versioning

Conduit uses API versioning to ensure backward compatibility. Specify the version in the Api-Version header of your requests.

**Current version:** `2024-12-01`

## What's next?

You’re all set to work with the Conduit API, take a look at our [Quickstart Guides](/guides/guide-started) to get started.

Use the [API Reference](/api-reference/customers/create-a-customer) to understand all available endpoints and request/response formats.\\

## Support

Reach out to our [support team](https://support.conduitpay.com/) to get help and share your feedback.