BYOK GuideHow to Use ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini With Your Own API Key
A simple guide to BYOK: how to use ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and more with your own API key, why it is often cheaper than separate subscriptions, and how to do it in one app across iPhone, Android, and web.
- BYOK means "bring your own key" — you use your own provider API keys instead of a platform subscription.
- You pay each provider directly at list price, and often only for what you actually use.
- Oriveo lets you do this for 13+ providers in one app, with real-time cost tracking.
What is BYOK (bring your own key)?
BYOK stands for "bring your own key". Instead of paying a chat platform a flat monthly fee, you create an API key with a provider such as OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google, and use that key directly. Every message you send goes to the provider on your own account.
The benefit is control and transparency: no platform markup, no bundled subscription, and a clear view of exactly what you spend.
How to use your own API key, step by step
The flow is the same for most providers and takes a few minutes.
- Create an account with the provider you want (for ChatGPT models, that is OpenAI; for Claude, Anthropic; for Gemini, Google AI Studio).
- Generate an API key in that provider's dashboard.
- Paste the key into Oriveo — it is stored on your device, and Oriveo talks to the provider directly.
- Start chatting. You can switch between models on the same prompt and add more provider keys any time.
Is using your own API key cheaper?
For many people, yes. If you chat occasionally, paying per use with your own key can cost less than a fixed monthly subscription — and you only pay for what you actually send. Heavy users should still watch usage, which is why Oriveo shows real-time, per-conversation cost so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use ChatGPT with my own API key?
Create an API key in the OpenAI dashboard, paste it into Oriveo, and you can chat with GPT models using your own key — you pay OpenAI directly at list price. The same flow works for Claude, Gemini, and 10+ other providers.
Is it cheaper to use the API than a subscription?
It can be. Paying per use with your own key is often cheaper for light-to-moderate usage, since you only pay for what you send. Oriveo's real-time cost tracking helps you keep an eye on it.
Is bringing my own key safe?
Your key is stored on your own device and used to talk to the provider directly. Oriveo keeps your chats local-first and does not proxy or re-bill your usage.
Use your own keys in one app
Open the web app or download Oriveo to bring your own API keys for every model — or start free with no key.
No API key yet? Start with Oriveo Free — no credit card, no key needed.
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