OpenAI SDK integration
OpenAI SDK API key setup with prepaid controls
OpenAI SDK can create valuable AI workflows, but shared unrestricted keys and missing request-level cost visibility can make spend hard to predict. NexRelay gives developers who want to keep OpenAI-style SDK calls while adding spend controls a controlled gateway key before scaling usage.
How OpenAI SDK fits
OpenAI SDK belongs to OpenAI-compatible SDKs. The safest setup is a dedicated gateway key, a compatible endpoint, and a small first budget so one client can be tested without exposing a broad provider key.
Recommended setup
Change the base URL, keep the request shape, and create one key per app.
- Create one key for this client only
- Start with a small daily or monthly budget
- Use model allowlists for early testing
- Review request logs after the first successful call
What to verify
After the first request, check that the expected model, endpoint, token meters, billed amount, and status appear in the usage ledger. Increase limits only after the route behaves as expected.
FAQ
Can OpenAI SDK use a NexRelay API key?
OpenAI SDK can use NexRelay when the client supports a compatible custom base URL and API key for its request style.
Why use a separate key for OpenAI SDK?
A separate key makes spend easier to cap, audit, rotate, and disable without affecting other tools.