How to use your own OpenAI API key

This article will show you how to use your own OpenAI API key in SurgeGraph.

This step is completely optional, and you don't have to do anything if you want to continue using SurgeGraph's key.

Benefits of using your own API key

• You can "skip the public queue" and generate content faster
• You can generate as many articles you want, as you pay for your own usage
• You can use the Flex and Knowledge feature

How to use your own OpenAI API Key

Follow the steps below to learn how to use your own OpenAI API key:

1. In the main dashboard under Organization Settings, go to LLM Provider API Keys.
2. Go to OpenAI API Key.
3. Insert your OpenAI API key in the field.
4. Click on Add Custom Key.

Note:

1. Vertex articles will use GPT-4.1 for better stability and high-quality output. The cost per article is around $0.30 – $0.50.
2. Make sure your key supports GPT-4.1. Look for GPT-4.1 under the "Rate Limit" table dropdown , if it isn’t there, your key doesn’t support it.
3. If your OpenAI API key is newly created or has no payment method attached, your key may not have high enough rate limit to run Vertex.  Check your rate limit here.
4. Your key is secure with SurgeGraph. It is encrypted before storing it in our database, so that even if the database gets compromised, the key cannot be used. Your key is only retrieved and used during the OpenAI API call, meaning we will never be able to see your key.

How do I get an OpenAI API Key?

1. Add a payment method here: https://platform.openai.com/account/billing/overview

2. Create an API key here: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys

3. Copy API key and save it somewhere safe. You will not be able to retrieve this key after this.

4. Enter API key in your SurgeGraph account here: https://app.surgegraph.io/dashboard/account#openai-api-key