ShopAIKey supports both flows: quick purchase/top-up without an account, and purchase/top-up after logging in for long-term management.
Purchase / Top-up Without an Account
The no-account flow is suitable when you need a key quickly, want to try the service, top up credit for a specific key, or prefer not to create an account before payment.
When to use the no-account flow?
- You want to buy a key quickly and receive it after payment.
- You already have an API key and only want to top up credit for it.
- You don't need to manage multiple keys, order history, or referral info in a dashboard.
- You're buying/topping up on behalf of a specific key.
How to buy a key without an account
- Open the quick buy / top-up section on the website.
- Select the amount or credit package.
- Enter the email to receive the key.
- Scan the VietQR code and transfer the exact amount with the exact reference content.
- After payment is confirmed, the system will display or send the API key based on the information you provided.
Keys bought without an account use the default group (recommended for most needs). If you want a different group or multiple groups, buy the key after logging in.
How to top up without an account
- Open the quick top-up section.
- Enter the API key or key information as required on the interface.
- Select the amount you want to top up.
- Verify the correct key and correct amount.
- Pay via VietQR using the exact reference content generated by the system.
- After the system confirms the transaction, credit will be added to the corresponding key.
:::warning When buying or topping up without an account, save your API key, order code, and transfer receipt. If you lose your key or enter incorrect receiving information, verification will require additional proof of payment. :::
Buying Keys After Login
1. Choose a group
In the key purchase area of your account (Dashboard or the key management page), the Model group field shows the group that will apply to the new key. Click Change group to view and select groups.
- If you select nothing, the key uses the default group for its key type. This is the recommended option if you have no special needs.
- You can select one or more groups for the same key. The selection order is the priority order when calling the API (the number shown on each group).
- Each group shows its price relative to the standard price (save % or +% price), its model count, and a few sample models for comparison.
Note: Groups can be changed anytime after purchase in the key management section of your account, no need to recreate the key. See also the Group Selection Guide.
2. Choose amount / credit package
Select a credit package that fits your needs. The minimum is $10, typically in multiples of $10.
If you're just trying it out, start with a small package. For regular or team use, choose a larger package to take advantage of tiered top-up promotions if available.
3. Pay via VietQR
After creating an order, the system will display a VietQR code and transfer reference. You need to:
- Scan the correct QR code on the order.
- Transfer the exact amount shown.
- Keep the transfer reference exactly as generated by the system.
- Do not modify the amount or transfer reference.
The system typically confirms payment within 1-3 minutes. After successful confirmation, the API key will be created and displayed on the page or in your account, depending on the purchase method.
4. Save and use your API key
After receiving your key, store it in a safe place. If you purchased after logging in, you can view the key again in the account / key management section. Copy the key into the tool or application you want to use, following the corresponding integration guide:
Do not share your API key publicly. If you suspect your key has been leaked, create a new key and stop using the old one.
Top-up After Login
1. Choose top-up method
You can top up in two ways:
- Quick top-up without an account: enter the key info to top up and pay directly.
- Top-up in account: log in to select the key / credit wallet and track top-up history.
2. Select the amount to top up
Enter or select the amount to top up. The minimum top-up is $10, typically in multiples of $10.
Before paying, double-check:
- The amount to top up
- The API key or credit wallet that will receive the funds
- Tiered top-up promotions if available
- Email / account to receive order info if required by the interface
3. Pay with the exact information provided by the system
Scan the VietQR code and transfer the exact amount with the exact reference content. This is a critical step for the system to automatically reconcile the transaction.
If you transfer with the wrong reference, wrong amount, or reuse a QR code from an old order, the transaction may not be credited automatically and will require manual verification.
4. Check balance after payment
After successful payment, the balance / credit will be updated to the corresponding key or account. If you don't see the update after a few minutes, check the order code / key info first, then contact support if needed.
When contacting for verification, please provide:
- Email used for the order or ShopAIKey account email if applicable
- API key ID or key info to top up
- Transfer time
- Amount transferred
- Receipt screenshot or bank transaction code
- Order code if available
Group Selection Guide
What is a group?
A group is a set of allowed models with its own pricing. A key's group determines which models the key can call and which price multiplier is applied.
- Groups labeled Save %: cheaper than the standard price, usually limited to mainstream models.
- Groups labeled +% price: more expensive than the standard price, in exchange for the full set of premium models or speed priority.
Example: a model with a base price of $3/1M tokens costs $3.6/1M tokens in credit in a +20% group.
Groups do not change the endpoint or API format. All keys share the same endpoints:
- OpenAI-compatible (Codex CLI, Cline, Continue, OpenCode...):
https://api.shopaikey.com/v1 - Anthropic-compatible (Claude Code, Anthropic SDK):
https://api.shopaikey.com - Google GenAI SDK:
https://api.shopaikey.com
Which group should you choose?
- Not sure yet: keep the default group (recommended).
- Want to optimize cost: choose a saving group, but first check that it includes the models you need.
- Need premium models or speed priority: choose a +% price group that includes those models.
- Want low cost with full model coverage: select multiple groups, putting the saving group first and the full-coverage group after it.
Before choosing, check the model pricing to see which groups include the models you need and their actual prices.
Changing the group of an existing key
- Log in and open the key management page in your account.
- Click Edit on the key (or the pencil icon in the Model group column).
- Reselect the groups and their priority order, then save.
The change applies immediately to the existing key, with no need to create a new key and no effect on the balance. If the key still cannot call the desired model after changing groups, contact Telegram @shopaikey_support with your API key ID, selected groups, desired model, and the tool you're configuring.