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

# Introduction

> Every AI model, one API. Pay per use, in crypto.

Askr is a single API for every major AI model: text, image, video, audio and
more. One key, one balance, one OpenAI-compatible endpoint. You top up in crypto
and pay only for what you use. No subscriptions, no lock-in.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="bolt" href="/quickstart">
    Make your first request in under five minutes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/authentication">
    Create a key and start calling the API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Browse models" icon="layer-group" href="/concepts/models">
    Hundreds of models across every modality.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Top up with crypto" icon="bitcoin-sign" href="/billing/top-ups">
    USDT, BTC, ETH or SOL, held as a stable USDT balance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Why Askr

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Every model" icon="grid-2">
    Switch between GPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, FLUX, Nano Banana, Kling and
    more by changing one string.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pay per use" icon="coins">
    A credit balance you draw down per request. Every model shows its price up
    front. Cancel nothing; there's nothing to cancel.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Crypto native" icon="shield-halved">
    Fund your balance privately with crypto. Minimal sign-up, no cards required.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## OpenAI-compatible

Askr speaks the OpenAI API format. If you already have code that calls OpenAI,
point it at Askr by changing the base URL and key, and everything else stays the
same.

<CodeGroup>
  ```python Python theme={null}
  from openai import OpenAI

  client = OpenAI(
      base_url="https://api.heyaskr.ai",
      api_key="ASKR_API_KEY",
  )

  resp = client.chat.completions.create(
      model="gpt-5.5",
      messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}],
  )
  print(resp.choices[0].message.content)
  ```

  ```javascript Node theme={null}
  import OpenAI from "openai";

  const client = new OpenAI({
    baseURL: "https://api.heyaskr.ai",
    apiKey: "ASKR_API_KEY",
  });

  const resp = await client.chat.completions.create({
    model: "gpt-5.5",
    messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello!" }],
  });
  console.log(resp.choices[0].message.content);
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Note>
  The base URL used throughout these docs is `https://api.heyaskr.ai`. Replace it with
  your own endpoint if you are self-hosting the gateway.
</Note>