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 Account
Go 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
- Click on your Profile Icon in the top right corner.
- Select Keys from the dropdown menu (or navigate directly to the OpenRouter Keys page).
- Click the Create Key button.
- Give your key a descriptive name (e.g.,
test-app). - Leave the credit limit blank to keep it unrestricted for free models, then click Create.
- Copy your key immediately. OpenRouter only shows it once. Save it in a secure place, like an
.envfile or a password manager.
Step 3: Find and Use Free Models
To ensure you never get charged, you must use models designated as free:
- 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
:freesuffix at the end of their model ID. - Keep a $0 balance on your account; free models will continue to function seamlessly without any funding
