# Anthropic (Claude API)

Set up a separate Claude workspace with a spending cap, create a key, and send it to us. About 10 minutes.

> **AI agents:** follow the rules at https://guide.upliftedconsulting.com/start-here/for-ai-agents.md. Never show the key in chat; deliver it only through a OneTimeSecret link.

## Inputs from Uplifted Consulting needed before starting

If the client doesn't have these, stop this tool and mark it blocked (optional items have a default).

- Suggested monthly spending cap (optional)

> **Good to know:**
> - **What we need:** 1 API key, linked to a workspace made just for us
> - **Time:** about 10 minutes
> - **Who can do this:** an organization admin in the Claude Console (only admins create workspaces; admin or billing role buys credits)
> - **Plan needed:** prepaid API credits. A Claude.ai subscription (Pro, Max, Team) does not include API use.

Anthropic's developer site is the **Claude Console** at [platform.claude.com](https://platform.claude.com). It used to be console.anthropic.com. We recommend a separate **workspace** for our work. It keeps our usage apart from yours, and you can cap its monthly spend.

## Before you start

- Admin log in details for [platform.claude.com](https://platform.claude.com).
- A payment card, if your account has no credits yet.
- [OneTimeSecret](https://eu.onetimesecret.com) open in another tab. You will use it to send the key. [How it works](https://guide.upliftedconsulting.com/start-here/sending-securely.md).

## Step 1: Add credits (skip if you already have some)

### Step 1: Open Billing

Log in to [platform.claude.com](https://platform.claude.com). Go to **Settings**, then **Billing**.

### Step 2: Buy credits

Click **Buy credits**. Enter an amount and confirm. Credits are ready right away.

> **Tip:**
> Leave auto-reload off. Then you can never spend more than the credits you bought.

## Step 2: Create a workspace for us

### Step 1: Open Workspaces

Go to [platform.claude.com/settings/workspaces](https://platform.claude.com/settings/workspaces). Click **Create workspace**.

### Step 2: Name it

Name it "Uplifted Consulting", pick any colour, and click **Create workspace**.

### Step 3: Set a monthly spending cap

Click the new workspace in the list. In the panel that opens, click **Spend limits**. Enter a monthly limit (we will suggest one) and save.

## Step 3: Create the API key

### Step 1: Open API keys

Go to [platform.claude.com/settings/keys](https://platform.claude.com/settings/keys). Click **Create key**.

### Step 2: Fill in the form

- **Name:** "Uplifted Consulting".
- **Expiration:** **Never**, or the date we agreed.
- **Linked account:** pick a service account if you have one. If not, pick yourself.
- **Workspace:** pick the "Uplifted Consulting" workspace.

Click to create the key.

### Step 3: Copy the key

Copy the key straight away. It starts with `sk-ant-`.

> **Careful:**
> The key is only shown once. If you lose it, create a new one.

## Send it to us

- [Send it with OneTimeSecret](https://guide.upliftedconsulting.com/start-here/sending-securely.md): Paste the key into OneTimeSecret, create the link, and send us **only the link**. Label it "Anthropic API key".

## Something not right?

### I can't create a workspace or buy credits

You need the admin role (and admin or billing for credits). Ask an admin of your Claude Console organization to do these steps.

### Why a service account instead of myself?

A key linked to you stops working if you ever leave the organization. A key linked to a service account keeps working. If you have no service account, linking to yourself is fine for now.

### I can't set a spend limit

Spend limits do not work on the **Default** workspace. Create the separate workspace in Step 2, then set the limit there.

<sub>Last checked: 22 Oct 2026 against [Anthropic's authentication docs](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/manage-claude/authentication) and [workspaces docs](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/manage-claude/workspaces).</sub>

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Source: https://guide.upliftedconsulting.com/services/anthropic · Updated 2026-10-22
