> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.transmuter.3mergen.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# BYOK (Bring Your Own Key)

> Use your own Anthropic API key for lower costs and more control.

BYOK mode lets you provide your own Anthropic API key instead of using the one included with your Transmuter subscription. This gives you lower platform costs and direct control over your AI usage.

## How it works

In **Default mode**, your Transmuter subscription includes everything -- platform access and AI processing. The subscription price is higher because it covers the cost of AI usage.

In **BYOK mode**, you provide your own API key from Anthropic. You pay Anthropic directly for AI usage, and your Transmuter subscription is lower because it only covers the platform.

|                    | Default Mode             | BYOK Mode                    |
| ------------------ | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- |
| **Starter plan**   | \$69/month               | \$29/month                   |
| **Pro plan**       | \$149/month              | \$59/month                   |
| **AI costs**       | Included in subscription | Paid directly to Anthropic   |
| **AI token limit** | Plan-based (500K-2M)     | Your Anthropic account limit |
| **Setup**          | Nothing extra            | Add your API key in settings |

## Who is BYOK for?

BYOK mode is ideal if you:

* Already have an Anthropic account with API access
* Want to control and monitor AI costs directly
* Run many Plan Casts and want to optimize costs
* Prefer to keep AI usage separate from platform costs

<Tip>
  If you are unsure, start with Default mode. You can switch to BYOK at any time from your billing
  settings.
</Tip>

## Setting up BYOK

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get an Anthropic API key">
    If you do not have one, visit [console.anthropic.com](https://console.anthropic.com), create an account, and generate an API key.
  </Step>

  {" "}

  <Step title="Switch to BYOK mode">
    In Transmuter, go to **Settings > Billing** and select **BYOK mode**. The switch takes effect at
    the start of your next billing period.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your API key">
    Go to **Settings > BYOK API Key** and paste your Anthropic API key. Transmuter validates the key and confirms it is working.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Cost comparison

A typical medium-complexity Plan Cast uses approximately \$18-25 of AI tokens at Anthropic's rates. Here is how costs compare over a month:

| Scenario            | Default (Pro)   | BYOK (Pro) + Anthropic   |
| ------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------ |
| 2 Plan Casts/month  | \$149           | \$59 + \~\$40 = \~\$99   |
| 5 Plan Casts/month  | \$149 + add-ons | \$59 + \~\$100 = \~\$159 |
| 10 Plan Casts/month | \$149 + add-ons | \$59 + \~\$200 = \~\$259 |

<Note>
  Actual AI costs depend on the complexity of your business plan and the resulting product. The
  figures above are estimates for medium-complexity products.
</Note>

## Security

Your API key is encrypted using industry-standard encryption and stored securely. It is never displayed in full after you save it, never written to log files, and never shared with any third party. The key is only used during Plan Cast execution inside isolated, secure environments.

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