---
title: "Authentication"
description: "How to authenticate your requests to the Criptpay API."
---

All requests to the Criptpay Public API must include the `x-api-key` header. This key identifies your business and ensures you have the necessary permissions to perform operations.

## The API Key Header

| Header      | Description                                |
| :---------- | :----------------------------------------- |
| `x-api-key` | Your business API key (e.g., `cp_5f2d...`) |

### Example Request

```bash
curl --request GET \
     --url https://criptpay-f2lv.onrender.com/api/v1/me \
     --header 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY'
```

<Warning>
  Keep your API key secret. Never share it in public repositories or frontend
  code (use a backend proxy if needed).
</Warning>