# Getting started


The Fusion API is a REST API that lets you access Bitpanda Fusion from your applications. You can retrieve market data, manage orders, and access account information.

## Prerequisites

Before making your first request, you need a Bitpanda Fusion API key.

Create one in your Bitpanda account under **Account settings → API Keys → Fusion** and assign the scopes required by your integration:

- **Read** for market data, balances, account information, and trade history
- **Trade** for placing and cancelling orders

See the [API key generation](https://docs.fusion.bitpanda.com/api-key-generation-363384m0.md) guide for step-by-step instructions.

## Authentication

Include your API key in the `x-api-key` header of every request:

```http
x-api-key: <YOUR_API_KEY>
```

## Base URL

```text
https://api.fusion.bitpanda.com
```

## Make your first request

Fetch your account balances:

```bash
curl "https://api.fusion.bitpanda.com/v1/account/balances" \
  -H "x-api-key: <YOUR_API_KEY>"
```

A successful response confirms that your key is valid and has the required scope.