> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nexusapi.link/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick start in 5 minutes

> Make your first model request with NexusAPI.

This guide walks you through your first request. You only need a NexusAPI account and available credit.

<Info>
  **The shortest path**

  Purchase credit → Create an API key → Copy a model ID from the Model Marketplace → Send a test request
</Info>

## 1. Purchase credit

Sign in to the console, then use **Wallet Management** to top up online.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nexusapi/HwaT2H2L5lDWPCJH/images/nexusapi/console-wallet-topup.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=HwaT2H2L5lDWPCJH&q=85&s=2739d43a100780ed53164c95b084f54e" alt="NexusAPI Wallet Management and online top-up page" width="1440" height="960" data-path="images/nexusapi/console-wallet-topup.png" />

## 2. Create an API key

1. Open **Token Management** in the console.
2. Select **Add token**.
3. Enter a recognizable name, such as `codex-work`.
4. Select a group that includes the model you want to use.
5. Set an appropriate limit for the use case, then submit.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nexusapi/HwaT2H2L5lDWPCJH/images/nexusapi/console-token-management.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=HwaT2H2L5lDWPCJH&q=85&s=c50218024a1db9088a06ec4fcce5be7a" alt="NexusAPI Token Management page with keys and account data masked" width="2880" height="1920" data-path="images/nexusapi/console-token-management.png" />

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nexusapi/HwaT2H2L5lDWPCJH/images/nexusapi/console-create-token.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=HwaT2H2L5lDWPCJH&q=85&s=6796fc32aff56e22dd2048a7ddb23b3f" alt="NexusAPI Create Token panel" width="1200" height="1920" data-path="images/nexusapi/console-create-token.png" />

<Warning>
  **Keep your API key private**

  An API key is used only for authentication. Do not put it in public repositories, screenshots, or chat logs. Use separate keys for separate projects.
</Warning>

## 3. Configure the API

Prepare these three values:

| Parameter | Value                                                                                 |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Base URL  | `https://nexusapi.link/v1`                                                            |
| API key   | Generated in the console; it usually starts with `sk-`                                |
| Model ID  | Copy the exact model name from the [Model Marketplace](https://nexusapi.link/pricing) |

## 4. Send a test request

The following example uses the OpenAI Chat Completions format. Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` and `YOUR_MODEL_ID`:

```bash theme={"system"}
curl 'https://nexusapi.link/v1/chat/completions' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' \
  -d '{
    "model": "YOUR_MODEL_ID",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Reply: connection successful"}]
  }'
```

If the JSON response includes `choices` and a reply, your basic integration is working.

<Tip>
  **Client URLs can be different**

  Some clients automatically append `/v1` or a request path. When configuring Claude Code, Codex CLI, or another client, follow its dedicated [tool guide](/en/tools/claude-code) instead of copying this URL mechanically.
</Tip>

## Next steps

* [Understand integration options](/en/guide/integration-overview)
* [Review models, groups, and billing](/en/billing/models-pricing)
* [Start self-checking if something goes wrong](/en/faq/self-check)