1

Create an OpenAI account

Go to platform.openai.com and sign up. Your existing ChatGPT login works here too — just click Continue with Google or enter your email.

The API platform (platform.openai.com) is separate from the ChatGPT web app, but uses the same account credentials.
platform.openai.com/auth/login
2

Add a payment method

In the left sidebar go to Settings → Billing → Payment methods and add a credit or debit card. This step is required — OpenAI has no free tier for API access. You are billed per token used — charges apply from the first request.

No free tier. API access requires a payment method even if you have a free or Plus ChatGPT plan. ChatGPT subscriptions do not include API credits.
Set a spending limit under Settings → Billing → Limits. $5/month is more than enough for daily coaching use.
platform.openai.com/settings/billing/overview
Overview
Playground
Fine-tuning
API keys
Settings
Profile
Billing
Billing
Manage your payment methods and usage limits
Credit balance
$0.00
+ Add payment method
Usage limits  ·  Payment history
3

Navigate to API keys

In the left sidebar click API keys. You can also go directly to platform.openai.com/api-keys. This is where all your secret keys are managed.

platform.openai.com/api-keys
Overview
Playground
Fine-tuning
API keys
Settings
Profile
Billing
API keys
Your secret keys are listed below. Do not share them.
+ Create new secret key
NameCreatedLast used
sk-proj-••••••••Xk3Mar 2026Today
4

Create a new secret key

Click + Create new secret key. Give it a name like Velocity AI so you remember what it's for. Leave permissions on the default (All).

Copy it immediately — OpenAI only shows the key once. If you miss it, delete it and create a new one.
platform.openai.com/api-keys

Create new secret key

Name your key so you can identify it later.

Name (optional)
Velocity AI
Permissions
All
Cancel
Create secret key
5

Copy your key

After creation, OpenAI shows the full key once. Click the copy icon to copy it. Your key begins with sk-proj- (newer keys) or sk- (older keys).

Paste it directly into the Velocity AI app — no need to store it anywhere else since the app saves it locally on your device.
platform.openai.com/api-keys

Save your key

This is the only time your key will be displayed. Copy and store it securely.

sk-proj-T3BlbkFJabcdefghij...
6

Enter your key in Velocity AI

Open Velocity AI, go to Profile, and tap AI Provider. Select OpenAI, paste your key, then tap Save.

Velocity AI uses gpt-4o automatically — no model selection needed.
Profile
YOUR SETTINGS
General
NameAlex Runner
Goal RaceHalf Marathon
Integrations
StravaConnected
AI ENGINE
OpenAI
Gemini
OpenRouter
API KEY
sk-proj-••••••••••••••••
Test Connection
Other providers: Google Gemini → OpenRouter →