How to Get an AI API Key for Free: OpenAI, Gemini, and Anthropic (2026)

AIcv doesn't charge a subscription fee — instead, you bring your own API key from a supported AI provider. This keeps the tool free to use while letting you choose which AI model powers your CV generation.

If you're not sure what an API key is or how to get one, don't worry. This guide walks you through the process for all three supported providers — and shows you how to get started for free.

What Is an API Key?

An API key is a unique string of characters that identifies you to an AI service. Think of it like a password that allows AIcv to access an AI model on your behalf. When you generate a CV or cover letter in AIcv, the tool sends the job description and your content to the AI provider using your key. You're billed directly by the provider for the tokens used — typically a fraction of a cent per generation.

Your API key is encrypted and stored only in your browser when you add it to AIcv. It never touches our servers.

Option 1: Google Gemini (Recommended for Beginners)

Why choose Gemini: Google offers the most generous free tier of any major AI provider. New accounts receive substantial free credits that reset daily and cover hundreds of CV generations.

Steps to get your Gemini API key:

1. Go to Google AI Studio

2. Sign in with your Google account (if you don't have one, create it — it's free)

3. Click the "Get API Key" button in the left sidebar

4. Click "Create API Key"

5. Select or create a Google Cloud project (you can accept the defaults)

6. Copy your new API key

7. Paste it into AIcv's Settings page

Pricing: Gemini has a generous free tier that resets daily. After that, pay-as-you-go rates are extremely affordable — typically less than $0.01 per CV generation.

Option 2: OpenAI (GPT-4o and GPT-4o-mini)

Why choose GPT: OpenAI's models are the most popular for writing tasks. They excel at creative cover letters and nuanced tone control.

Steps to get your OpenAI API key:

1. Go to platform.openai.com

2. Sign up or log in with your account

3. Navigate to the API Keys section (click your profile icon → "API Keys")

4. Click "Create new secret key"

5. Give your key a name (e.g., "AIcv")

6. Copy the key immediately — OpenAI will not show it to you again

7. Paste it into AIcv's Settings page

Important: OpenAI's free tier no longer includes API credits for new accounts. You'll need to add a payment method. However, the cost per generation is very low — generating a full CV and cover letter costs roughly $0.05–$0.10 depending on the model and length.

Pricing: Pay-as-you-go. GPT-4o-mini is very affordable (~$0.15 per 1M input tokens). GPT-4o costs more but delivers higher quality.

Option 3: Anthropic Claude

Why choose Claude: Claude excels at precision and accuracy. It's an excellent choice for conservative industries where factual accuracy is critical.

Steps to get your Claude API key:

1. Go to console.anthropic.com

2. Sign up or log in

3. Click the API Keys tab in the left sidebar

4. Click "Create Key"

5. Copy the generated key

6. Paste it into AIcv's Settings page

Pricing: Anthropic offers some free credits for new users. After that, Claude Sonnet is priced competitively with GPT-4o.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your Key to AIcv

Once you have your API key from any provider:

1. Open AIcv

2. You'll land on the Settings page

3. Select your provider from the dropdown (Gemini, OpenAI, or Claude)

4. Paste your API key into the field

5. The key is encrypted and saved in your browser — it never reaches our servers

That's it. You're ready to generate tailored CVs and cover letters.

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Start with Gemini if you're on a budget. The free tier covers hundreds of generations at no cost. It's the best way to try AIcv without any financial commitment.

Choose GPT-4o if quality is your top priority. The creative edge helps your cover letters stand out. The per-generation cost is low enough that it's still far cheaper than any subscription service.

Pick Claude if you work in a conservative industry. Legal, finance, and healthcare professionals benefit from Claude's precision and low hallucination rate.

You can switch between providers at any time in AIcv's Settings. Read our Gemini vs GPT vs Claude comparison for a deeper analysis.

Security Tips for API Keys

• Never share your API key. It gives access to your AI account and billing.
• Rotate keys periodically in your provider's dashboard.
• Set usage limits in your provider's settings to prevent unexpected charges.
• Remove keys from AIcv when you're done by clearing them in Settings.
• Use separate keys for different tools so you can revoke individual access.

Troubleshooting

"Invalid API key" error: Make sure you copied the full key without extra spaces. Try regenerating the key in your provider's dashboard.

"Insufficient credits": Check your provider's billing page. You may need to add credits or wait for the free tier to reset (Gemini resets daily).

Key works in one tool but not AIcv: Ensure the key has the correct API access enabled in your provider's dashboard.

Start Generating

Once your API key is set up, you're ready to go. Open AIcv, upload your seed CV, paste a job description, and generate a tailored application in minutes — all with zero-backend privacy.

Need a walkthrough? Read our getting started guide for the full step-by-step tutorial.

Open AIcv →