> ## 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.

# Quickstart Guides

> Welcome to the Conduit API getting started guide. This guide provides a quick overview of the steps to get started with the Conduit platform.

## **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 begin configuring API access.

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

In the dashboard, create a new API key and secret. These credentials authenticate all API requests.\
Store them securely, for example, in your project’s `.env` file or a secure vault.

> **Tip:** Each environment (sandbox and production) requires its own set of API credentials.

## **Step 3: Onboard your first customer**

Before processing transactions, you need at least one onboarded customer.\
Follow [Create Your First Customer](/guides/customer/onboarding-customer) to create a customer profile using the API.

Each customer receives a unique identifier (`customer_id`) used in subsequent API calls.

## **Step 4: Add a counterparty**

A **counterparty** (or beneficiary) represents the entity that receives funds.\
Follow [Create Your Customer's First Counterparty](/guides/counterparty/adding-a-counterparty) to register the recipient’s details (name, account number, currency).

Once created, you’ll have a `counterparty_id` linked to the customer.

## **Step 5: Create your first transaction**

With both a customer and counterparty set up, you can initiate a transaction.\
Use our transaction guides to submit your first payment via the API: [Onramp](/guides/transaction/first-onramp-transaction) or [Offramp](/guides/transaction/first-offramp-transaction).

The API will respond with a [transaction object](/core-concepts/transactions) and status updates as the payment progresses.

## **Step 6: Listen to webhooks**

To keep your system in sync with Conduit events, configure [webhooks](/developer-sections/webhooks) to receive real-time updates (for example, transaction status changes or onboarding progress).

See [Configuring Your First Webhook](/guides/webhooks/first-webhook) for setup instructions and event samples.

## What's next?

Now you are ready to start using the Conduit API. Explore Conduit's [Core Concepts](/core-concepts) to learn more about the key concepts of the Conduit platform.

For detailed API methods and parameters, see the [API Reference](/api-reference/customers/create-a-customer).

## Support

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