Buy a MiniMax API Key

MiniMax's flagship model MiniMax-M2.7 performs well on code and reasoning, with pay-as-you-go billing — you only pay for what you use. This guide walks you from zero to a working API Key in about 5 minutes.

Step 1: Create a MiniMax Account

  1. Go to the MiniMax open platform: https://platform.minimax.io
  2. Click Sign in / Sign up in the top right
  3. Supported sign-up methods:
    • Email
    • Continue with Google
    • Continue with GitHub
  4. Follow the prompts to complete registration and sign in
MiniMax platform signup page
Fig 1: MiniMax platform signup page

Step 2: Top Up

In the left sidebar, click Balance, then click Recharge, enter the amount, and complete payment.

Top Up page
Fig 2: Top Up page

⚠️ Balance is non-refundable — don't load more than you'll use.

Step 3: Create an API Key

  1. Go to API Keys in the left sidebar
  2. Click Create new secret key
  3. Give it a recognizable name (e.g. openclacky-mac)
  4. Copy the generated Key
Create API Key
Fig 3: Create API Key

⚠️ The full Key is shown only once. Once you close the dialog it's gone. Copy it immediately and paste it somewhere safe.

Step 4: Configure in OpenClacky

Open the Connect AI Model page in OpenClacky and do 4 things:

  1. Provider dropdown → select MiniMax
  2. Model dropdown → pick minimax-m2.7 (latest flagship, recommended)
  3. Base URL — open the dropdown and select International
  4. API Key — paste the Key from Step 3, click Test & Continue

A green checkmark means you're good to go.

FAQ

Q1: I forgot to save my API Key!

Just create a new one on the API Keys page. Delete the old one to prevent leakage.

Q2: The server seems busy — what should I do?

MiniMax capacity can be tight during peak hours. Try a few more times, or temporarily switch to another model.

Q3: How do I track spending?

Go to Billing in the left sidebar to view daily usage and spend per Key.

Quickstart Guide