How to Get Api Key from OpenRouter for Free

You can get a free API key from OpenRouter in under two minutes without entering a credit card. This key allows you to access over 20+ completely free AI models.

Step 1: Create a Free AccountGo to the OpenRouter official website.Click Sign In or Sign Up in the top right corner.Log in instantly using your Google account, GitHub, or email address.

Step 2: Generate the API Key

1. Click on your Profile Icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Keys from the dropdown menu (or navigate directly to the OpenRouter Keys page).
3. Click the Create Key button.
4. Give your key a descriptive name (e.g., test-app).
5. Leave the credit limit blank to keep it unrestricted for free models, then click Create.
6. Copy your key immediately. OpenRouter only shows it once. Save it in a secure place, like an .env file or a password manager.

Step 3: Find and Use Free Models

To ensure you never get charged, you must use models designated as free: [1, 2, 3]

• Open the OpenRouter Free Models Collection to see all currently active $0 endpoints (such as specific variants of Meta Llama, Mistral, and DeepSeek).
• Free models are always explicitly marked with a :free suffix at the end of their model ID.
• Keep a $0 balance on your account; free models will continue to function seamlessly without any funding