> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paymentoptions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Authentication
Access to the API is authenticated using **HTTP Basic Auth** ([Learn More](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_access_authentication))
along with the `x-api-key` header.
### **Getting Started**
Authentication information will be available after the account creation. Authentication can be used in the following ways:
* **Using ‘LIVE API KEY’**:
The **LIVE API KEY** details are available on the website. Provide your LIVE API KEY as the Basic Auth username value. You do not need to provide a password.
* **Using Encoded ‘LIVE API KEY’**:
Encode the **LIVE API KEY** by using the **ENCODE BASE64** button available on the website.
After encoding the **LIVE API KEY**, attach the string **Basic** in front of the encoded key followed by a space, and provide this value in the `Authorization` header.
```bash theme={null}
curl --location --request POST '' \
--header 'Authorization: Basic '
```
## Authenticating API Calls
To authenticate each API request, include both the Authorization and x-api-key headers.
```bash theme={null}
curl --location --request POST '' \
--header 'Authorization: Basic ' \
--header 'x-api-key: '
```
Always ensure that your **LIVE API KEY** is encoded securely and passed correctly in the headers for successful authentication.
## **API Headers**
API headers provide additional metadata for each API call, including crucial information about the request and response.
| **Header** | **Description** |
| :------------------ | :------------------------------- |
| **`x-api-key`** | Provided along with credentials. |
| **`Authorization`** | Basic ``. |
### **Important Note**
If using plain LIVE API KEY for the **Authorization** header, include **"Basic"** before the base64-encoded API key to authenticate requests properly.
Authorization: Basic Encoded LIVE API KEY
If you need assistance or have questions regarding setting up your authentication, please [contact our support team](./support/contact) for further guidance.