Get a Perplexity API key
How to create a Perplexity API key (pplx-) in the API console, how billing works, and where to find the key later.
1. Open the API settings
- 1Go to console.perplexity.ai and sign in, or create an account.
- 2Open the API console for your account or group.
2. Add billing first
Perplexity's API requires a payment method and a credit balance before it will issue usable keys.
- 1In the API settings, add a payment method.
- 2Buy a starting credit balance.
3. Create the API key
- 1Choose API keys in the sidebar, then generate a new key.
- 2Copy the key and store it safely.
Perplexity keys start with "pplx-".
4. Keep it safe
Treat an API key like a password. Anyone who has it can spend on your account. Never post it publicly, commit it to a git repository, or paste it into a chat. If a key is ever exposed, revoke it in the provider console and create a new one.
What your Perplexity key runs on BizWax.Ai
Paste the key in once and these tools use it, with Perplexity billing you directly at its own rates and nothing added on top.
AI Consensus
Compare AI Models Side by Side
Five minds. One answer.
BizChat
Multi-Model AI Chat
One chat. Every model.
PromptLine
AI Prompt Generator
Say what you want, roughly.
Insight Lab
AI Chat With Your Documents
Ask questions of your own documents and get answers with citations.
Common questions
Is the Perplexity API free?
The API runs on credit you buy in advance, and new accounts start in a limited tier. Perplexity's documentation did not advertise free credit for new accounts when we checked.
Does Perplexity Pro include API credit?
Perplexity has offered Pro subscribers a monthly API credit in the past, but its current documentation did not confirm it when we checked. Look at the billing page of your API console to see whether you have any.
What is PERPLEXITY_API_KEY, and what is pplx-?
PERPLEXITY_API_KEY is the usual name of the setting apps read your key from. The key itself starts with "pplx-".
Where do I create a Perplexity API key?
In the Perplexity API console at console.perplexity.ai: choose API keys in the sidebar, then generate a new key.
Checked against Perplexity's own pages on 28 September 2026. Providers change free tiers and minimums often.
You have the key. Give it something to do.
Most people create a key for one project and never use it again. On BizWax.Ai you add it once and it works across every tool built on Perplexity, with everything you make saved to one Library. Creating an account is free and includes some tools outright, plus free credits each week. The $20-a-month plan runs everything.
Create your account