# OpenAI

Set up a separate OpenAI project 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 from a project made just for us
> - **Time:** about 10 minutes
> - **Who can do this:** an Owner of your OpenAI API organization (Owners manage billing and projects)
> - **Plan needed:** prepaid credits on your API account. Minimum top-up is $5. A ChatGPT subscription does not include API use.

We recommend a separate **project** for our work. It keeps our usage apart from yours, and you can cap its monthly spend.

## Before you start

- Owner log in details for [platform.openai.com](https://platform.openai.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.openai.com](https://platform.openai.com). Open **Settings**, then **Billing**.

### Step 2: Add credits

Click **Buy credits** or **Add to credit balance** (you will see one of them). Add a payment method if asked. Pick an amount and confirm.

> **Tip:**
> Auto-recharge is on by default. Turn it off if you don't want automatic top-ups.

## Step 2: Create a project for us

### Step 1: Open Projects

In **Settings**, open **Projects**. Click **Create project**.

### Step 2: Name it

Name it "Uplifted Consulting" and click **Create**.

## Step 3: Set a monthly spending cap

### Step 1: Open the project's Limits

Make sure the new project is selected (top left). In **Settings**, under the project, click **Limits**.

### Step 2: Set the cap

In **Spend**, click **Edit spend limit**. Type a **Monthly spend limit** (we will suggest one). Turn on **Enforce a hard limit** so usage stops at the cap. Save.

## Step 4: Create the API key

### Step 1: Open API keys

With the new project still selected, open **API keys** (in **Settings**, under the project). Click **Create new secret key**.

### Step 2: Fill in the form

Name it "Uplifted Consulting". If you can choose who owns the key, choose **Service account**. This way the key keeps working even if someone leaves your team. Check that the project is ours. Leave permissions on **All**. Click **Create secret key**.

### Step 3: Copy the key

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

> **Careful:**
> OpenAI shows the key only 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 "OpenAI API key".

## Something not right?

### I don't see Billing, Projects, or Limits

You are not an Owner of the organization. Ask an Owner to do these steps, or to make you an Owner.

### I don't see a Service account option

Only Owners can create service account keys. Ask an Owner, or create a key owned by you. That works too, but it stops working if you leave the organization.

### We get errors about credits or limits

Your credit balance may be empty, or the project hit its monthly cap. Add credits in **Billing**, or raise the cap in the project's **Limits**.

<sub>Last checked: 22 Oct 2026 against [OpenAI's spend limits guide](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/spend-limits).</sub>

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