Platform keys vs Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)
Runtype offers two ways to access AI models: platform-provided API keys or bringing your own keys from AI providers. Choose the approach that fits your use case and scale.
Platform keys
Platform keys are Runtype-provided API credentials that let you start using AI models immediately without setting up your own provider accounts.
When to use platform keys
Getting started — Start building immediately with zero configuration
Low to moderate volume — Production use within your plan's execution allowance
Prototyping and demos — Build and iterate without external account setup
Simplified billing — One invoice from Runtype instead of multiple provider bills
Platform key characteristics
Execution allowance — Each plan includes a daily or monthly execution limit. Your dashboard header shows current usage (e.g., "X / Y executions"). On Build and Trial plans, requests may be slowed after reaching the daily limit to maintain fair usage.
Shared rate limits — Platform keys are shared across Runtype users and may be throttled during peak usage
Model access — Access to a curated subset of popular models
No cost visibility — AI model costs are included in your Runtype plan
Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)
BYOK means connecting your own API keys from providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or xAI to Runtype. You create accounts with these providers directly and add their keys to Runtype.
When to use BYOK
High-volume production — Applications exceeding your plan's execution allowance or requiring guaranteed response times
Cost optimization — Direct provider billing lets you monitor and optimize AI spending separately
Full model access — Use any model from your provider, including beta or specialized models. See Available AI models for the complete list.
Compliance requirements — Some organizations require direct provider relationships
Setting up BYOK
In Runtype, go to Settings → Models → My Providers
Create or sign into an account with your chosen AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, etc.)
Generate an API key from the provider's dashboard
Back in Runtype, select + Configure next to the provider
Paste your API key and enter a Key Name
Click Save API Key
Once configured, your Flows and Agents will use your API keys instead of platform keys.
Comparison
Feature | Platform Keys | BYOK |
|---|---|---|
Setup time | Immediate | 5-10 minutes |
Rate limits | Shared, with execution caps per plan | Dedicated to your account |
Model access | Curated subset | All provider models |
Cost visibility | Included in Runtype plan | Separate provider billing |
Best for | Getting started, moderate volume | High volume, cost control |
Switching from platform keys to BYOK
Your Flows and Agents will automatically start using BYOK once you configure it. No code changes needed—Runtype handles the transition seamlessly.
Most users start with platform keys and add BYOK only when they need higher rate limits, specific models, or separate cost tracking. You can use both simultaneously—platform keys for some Flows and BYOK for others.
Next steps
Configure your AI model provider keys
Monitor usage and billing
Build Flows using your configured models
See Available AI models for the complete list of supported models