> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://minara.ai/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://minara.ai/docs/trade/agent-api/authentication.md).

# Authentication

Minara provides two methods for authenticating API requests.

### API Key (Subscription)

The standard method for **Pro** and **Partner** plan users. Include your API key in the `Authorization` header of every request.

**Format:**

```
Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_KEY>
```

**Example:**

```bash
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer sk-minara-xxxxxxxx" https://api.minara.ai/v1/developer/chat
```

> **Security:** Treat your API keys like passwords. Never expose them in client-side code or public repositories.

👉 **Learn more:** [Broken mention](broken://pages/PWjrBKiSd4zKX9Kk3gNs)

### Pay-As-You-Go (x402)

For usage-based access without a subscription, we support the [**x402 protocol**](https://www.x402.org/). Pay for API calls directly using stablecoins like $USDC (no subscription required).

**x402 API URL**:[https://x402.minara.ai](https://x402.minara.ai/)

**Explore our x402 endpoints:** [Minara on x402scan](https://www.x402scan.com/server/66307a3c-aeb9-4508-9531-71eed69bc9b5)

👉 **Learn more:** [Broken mention](broken://pages/N30vuC6vXVYQnNTfAfq1)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://minara.ai/docs/trade/agent-api/authentication.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.