> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fintelite.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> How to authenticate with the AnyCheck API using API keys

AnyCheck uses **API keys** for server-to-server integrations. API keys are scoped to a specific group and require no session management.

## Getting an API Key

API keys are provisioned by your AnyCheck account manager during onboarding. Contact [bd@fintelite.ai](mailto:bd@fintelite.ai) to get your API key.

## Using the API Key

Include the API key in the `X-API-Key` header on every request:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.anycheck.ai/verifications \
  -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## Security Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Protect your API key">
    * Store keys in environment variables or a secrets manager. Never expose them in source code.
    * Never expose keys in URLs, logs, or client-side code
    * Report compromised keys immediately to [bd@fintelite.ai](mailto:bd@fintelite.ai)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Permission Scope

Each API key is scoped to a **group**. It can only access verifications, folders, and resources within that group. Your AnyCheck account manager assigns your key to the correct group during onboarding.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/anycheck/concepts/verifications">
    Make your first verification
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/anycheck/api/overview">
    Explore available endpoints
  </Card>
</CardGroup>