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

# Quickstart

> Get up and running with the Monirates API in minutes.

This guide walks you through everything you need to start making API requests with Monirates — from creating your account to sending your first request.

***

## Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the Monirates business portal based on your environment:

| Environment    | Portal URL                                                       |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Production** | [business.monirates.com](https://business.monirates.com)         |
| **Sandbox**    | [dev.business.monirates.com](https://dev.business.monirates.com) |

Sign up and complete your business profile to get access to the dashboard.

***

## Step 2: Generate Your API Key and Secret Key

Once logged in:

1. Navigate to the **Settings** section of your dashboard.
2. Create your API key and Secret key, then copy each one immediately. You won't be able to view them again after closing the modal.
3. Store it securely — never commit it to version control.

<Warning>
  Use environment variables to store your API key and Secret key. Keep your sandbox and production keys separate — they are **not interchangeable**.
</Warning>

***

## Step 3: Set Your Webhook URL

Still in the **Developer** section of your dashboard, set your **Webhook URL**. Monirates will send real-time event notifications to this endpoint for transaction updates, payment status changes, and more.

***

## Step 4: Make Your First Request

Use your API key to authenticate requests by passing it in the `x-api-key` header.

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl https://interface.monirates.com/your-endpoint \
    -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
    -H "Accept: application/json"
  ```

  ```javascript Node.js theme={null}
  const response = await fetch("https://interface.monirates.com/your-endpoint", {
    headers: {
      "x-api-key": process.env.MONIRATES_API_KEY,
      "Accept": "application/json",
    },
  });

  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  import requests

  response = requests.get(
      "https://interface.monirates.com/your-endpoint",
      headers={
          "x-api-key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
          "Accept": "application/json",
      },
  )

  print(response.json())
  ```
</CodeGroup>

***

## Environments at a Glance

|                  | Sandbox                               | Production                        |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Base URL**     | `https://dev.interface.monirates.com` | `https://interface.monirates.com` |
| **Portal**       | `dev.business.monirates.com`          | `business.monirates.com`          |
| **Transactions** | Simulated — no real money             | Live — real money movement        |

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authentication" icon="lock" href="/getting-started/authentication">
    Deep dive into how API key authentication works.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sandbox" icon="microscope" href="/getting-started/sandbox">
    Learn about the sandbox environment for safe testing.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>