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

# Authentication

> Secure your requests to the PayX API

PayX uses API Keys to authenticate requests. You can view and manage your API keys in the [PayX Dashboard](https://payx.company/dashboard).

## API Keys

Every account has two sets of keys:

1. **Test Keys:** Use these for development and testing. No real money will be moved.
2. **Live Keys:** Use these for production. Real money will be moved.

| Key Type       | Header Name | Example                        |
| :------------- | :---------- | :----------------------------- |
| **Secret Key** | `x-api-key` | `sk_test_...` or `sk_live_...` |

## Authenticating Requests

All API requests must be made over HTTPS. To authenticate, include your Secret Key in the `x-api-key` header of your request.

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://payx.company/api/v1/charge \
  -H "x-api-key: your_secret_key" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "amount": 10.0,
    "phoneNumber": "0551234987",
    "network": "MTN"
  }'
```

<Warning>
  **Keep your Secret Keys private.** Do not share them in client-side code (browsers, mobile apps) or public repositories like GitHub.
</Warning>