# Getting Started

The Request API is organized around REST. It accepts JSON-encoded bodies, returns JSON-encoded responses, and uses standard HTTP response codes and Bearer authentication.

To get started you need an API key. If you have not already done, go to [Request Finance](https://app.request.finance) and create your account for free. You can find your API keys in the ["Developer" tab](https://app.request.finance/account/api-keys) in “Settings”.

## Authentication

All API endpoints are authenticated. The API supports two modes of authentication:

* Using API keys which are great to start working on your project quickly.
* Using OAuth which is more secure and suitable for production. Learn more about going live [here](/going-live.md).

## Base URL

When using the Request Finance API, please use this URL: <https://api.request.finance/>.

## Header

All HTTP requests must include the following headers:

* `Accept: application/json`
* `Content-Type: application/json`
* `Authorization: [YOUR_API_KEY]`

The Authorization header is used to authenticate yourself. Please replace `[YOUR_API_KEY]` with your API key.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.request.finance/getting-started.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.