API Key
A secret token that authenticates your automation with a third-party service. Treat API keys like passwords never hard-code them in workflows, always store them in environment variables or a secrets manager.
Expert insight
A leaked API key can allow anyone to trigger your automations, send emails from your domain, or access your CRM data.
In a real workflow
An n8n credential stores the SendGrid API key once; every email workflow references the credential instead of pasting the key into each node.
Common mistakes
- Pasting keys into code nodes, spreadsheets or chat messages, where they are copied and leaked.
- Using one all-powerful key for every workflow instead of separate, restricted keys that can be revoked individually.
Complexity level
Anyone can understand this no technical background needed.
Related terms
OAuth (Open Authorisation)
An authentication standard that lets users grant third-party apps access to thei…
Authentication
Verifying the identity of the system or user making an API call. Methods include…
Environment variable
A configuration value stored outside your workflow code API keys, passwords, URL…
See it in action
Want API Key built into your automation?
Book a free audit and we'll show you exactly how this applies to your business.
Get my free automation plan →Who we build for
Run a firm, an agency or an online store? We automate the work behind it.
Done-for-you n8n workflows and Claude AI agents, fixed price, maintained for you.
- Professional firms Onboarding, documents, billing and reporting run on their own. See what we automate →
- Agencies and SaaS teams Custom n8n and Claude builds, client reporting and internal tools. See what we automate →
- E-commerce brands Orders, support, returns and stock handled without the busywork. See what we automate →
More in Security
Keep exploring
JWT (JSON Web Token)
A compact, self-contained authentication token used by many APIs. JWTs…
OAuth (Open Authorisation)
An authentication standard that lets users grant third-party apps acce…
Token (API)
A credential string used to authenticate API requests. Tokens are eith…
Webhook security
Verifying that incoming webhooks are genuinely from the expected sourc…
Access token
A short-lived credential issued after OAuth authentication that grants…
Audit trail
A chronological record of all actions taken by an automation who trigg…
Go deeper
Guides that cover API Key
Anatomy Claude skill: what it is, how to install it, and 28 live examples
The open-source Anatomy skill turns an idea into an interactive isometric machine. What it makes, how to install and use it in Claude Code, and what we learned building 28 live figures.
n8n HTTP Request Node: Complete Documentation and Examples
The HTTP Request node is the most used node in n8n, connecting your workflows to any API or web service. This guide covers every configuration option, authentication method, error handling pattern, and real-world example you need.
The 7 automation mistakes that kill ROI (and how we fixed them for clients).
The mistakes that destroy automation ROI are rarely technical. They are architectural, strategic, and operational, and they are almost always preventable.