# Creating access keys

To create your API access key, first, go to the [MessageBird Dashboard](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/user/index). Then go to the [Developers section](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/developers/settings) in the MessageBird Dashboard and open the [API access (REST) tab](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/developers/access). Here, you can create new API keys and manage your existing ones.

When you are using a **test key** with our API, only the request will be tested and no messages or calls will be sent out. This allows you to check that your API request has been set up correctly, without using your credits or balance.

If you want to start sending messages, you can create a **live key** for this. The live key will call our API, and send out a message accordingly and deduct the correct amount from your balance. You can use the live key in combination with free test credits in your account.

You will not be able to create access keys programmatically, only via the MessageBird Dashboard. Feel free to check our [REST API documentation](https://developers.messagebird.com/).


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