> Configure a company OpenAI or Anthropic API key for Hice chat. Learn the administrative workflow and costs separate from ChatGPT and Claude apps.

Source: https://hice.ai/en/ai-chat-api-key
# AI chat with your own OpenAI or Anthropic API key

Prefer AI inside your business software? An administrator can connect an OpenAI or Anthropic API key to Hice chat. Company configuration is separate from a personal ChatGPT or Claude subscription.

## A practical request for your assistant

Example request: the response depends on the available records and the operations accessible to your user.

## Chat inside Hice or a connected personal assistant

There are two paths. In the first, use ChatGPT or Claude and connect Hice to work with accessible records. In the second, use chat inside Hice, with an administrator configuring the provider through an API key. The conversation's location and provider billing differ.

Choose according to the team's work: who manages the provider, which users use chat and which operations are needed. Do not put a company API key in a prompt to connect a personal account. The external connector uses Hice authentication; API configuration belongs in the app's administrative settings.

## Use an OpenAI API key

An administrator configures OpenAI in Hice's AI provider settings. Use a key from the API project or account intended for company work and verify the connection with the supported test. Then check the chat's selected provider before working with records.

The key is not a ChatGPT password, and a chat subscription does not automatically fund API use. Configure provider spending controls and verify which account receives usage charges. Enter keys in the dedicated settings field rather than chat messages or candidate notes.

## Use an Anthropic API key

To use Anthropic in Hice chat, an administrator adds the API key in AI provider settings and verifies the connection. The team then uses the provider according to the app's configuration. You need not transfer a personal Claude conversation to configure API access.

Keep key ownership and usage clear. If switching providers, repeat a reading task and check handling of missing information before assigning an operational workflow. Using a different model does not change Hice permissions or make operations available when the chosen path does not expose them.

## Company configuration and user permissions

Provider configuration is administrative: each user does not need to paste their own key. A company connection manages the provider in the workspace context. Before expanding use to the team, verify who can configure it, who can use chat and which records each role can access.

The key enables the provider service rather than unrestricted Hice access. Try the same request with different users and check results against their permissions. If replacing the key, update it in settings and verify the connection before resuming activities.

## Chat subscriptions and API usage

Hice's extension and connector are included; the AI provider can have its own costs. OpenAI API usage is billed separately from ChatGPT, as explained in OpenAI's billing documentation. Anthropic API use is also separate from a Claude subscription: see Anthropic's official explanation.

Compare the Hice plan, any assistant subscription and API usage for your chosen path. 'Free integration' describes Hice's additional fee rather than promising unlimited tokens or free features in every provider.

## Frequently asked questions about Chat with an API key

### Which CRM lets me use my own API key for AI?

Hice lets an administrator configure OpenAI or Anthropic API keys for chat inside the app. Company configuration is separate from connecting a personal ChatGPT or Claude account. The provider bills API usage separately from chat subscriptions.

### Do the extension and AI connection cost extra?

Hice charges no additional fee for the extension or AI assistant integration, including on the free plan. Hice plan limits and AI provider costs or requirements remain separate.

### Is an API key included in my ChatGPT or Claude subscription?

An API key belongs to the provider's API workflow. Its billing is separate from ChatGPT and Claude app subscriptions. An administrator configures the connection in Hice settings.

### Can AI change records without a check?

The connector respects your user's permissions. Writes are prepared and confirmed through Hice; the AI client can also request its own approval.

## Browser extension and AI connector included

Hice charges no additional fee for the extension or AI assistant integration, including on the free plan. Hice plan limits and AI provider costs or requirements remain separate.

## Guides to get started

### Company API keys for AI chat: OpenAI and Anthropic

Two AI workflows, administrative configuration and API costs separate from chat subscriptions.

## Choose your next step

- Connect ChatGPT and Claude
- Database