# API key generation

Fusion API, Fusion MCP and Fusion CLI all use API key authentication. The same key works with either product.

### How to generate an API key

Create an API key in your Bitpanda account:

[https://app.bitpanda.com/my-account/apikey?tab=Fusion](https://app.bitpanda.com/my-account/apikey?tab=Fusion)

Steps:

1. Open your account settings
2. Navigate to API Keys
3. Switch to the "Fusion" tab
4. Enter a name for your key
5. Select an expiration date (max 1 year)
6. Choose required scopes
7. Click "Generate new API key"
8. Copy and store the key securely (it is shown only once)

### Scopes

When creating a key, you must define its permissions.

| Scope | What it enables |
|-------|-----------------|
| Read | Market data, account info, order and trade history |
| Trade | Create and cancel orders (requires Read) |
| Transfer | Move funds between wallets |

Use the least privilege principle. Only enable what your application needs.


### Using your key with each interface

See the Getting started guide for [Fusion API](https://docs.fusion.bitpanda.com/getting-started-370709m0.md), [Fusion MCP](https://docs.fusion.bitpanda.com/getting-started-370710m0.md), and [Fusion CLI](https://docs.fusion.bitpanda.com/getting-started-370717m0.md).