Getting startedReference / 02

Quickstart

Verify the route, create a key, and send your first request.

Create an account and verify your email.
Optional: run the one bounded live route proof in the dashboard. It uses a fixed prompt and does not require a card, API key, or balance.
Top up your balance — pay-as-you-go starts at $5, by card or crypto. No subscription required.
In the dashboard, open API Keys and create a key. Copy it immediately — it's shown only once.
Store the key in your shell:

bash

export ROUTERPLEX_API_KEY="sk-..."

Make your first request:

bash

curl https://api.routerplex.com/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ROUTERPLEX_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "gpt-5.5",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'

Swap "gpt-5.5" for any ID in the model catalog — same endpoint, same request shape.

With the OpenAI SDK #

python

import os
from openai import OpenAI
 
client = OpenAI(
    base_url="https://api.routerplex.com/v1",
    api_key=os.environ["ROUTERPLEX_API_KEY"],
)
 
response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="claude-opus-4-8",
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Explain HTTP in one line"}],
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)

No code at all? Try models in the playground first.