> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://mailchimp.com/developer/marketing/build/get-started/generate-your-api-key/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://mailchimp.com/_mcp/server.

# Generate your API key

> Create an API key in your Mailchimp account and store it securely.

An API key authenticates requests against your own Mailchimp account. Here's how
to create one:

1. Navigate to the [API Keys section](https://us1.admin.mailchimp.com/account/api/) of your Mailchimp account.
2. Click **Create New Key** and give it a descriptive name that tells you which application it's used for.
3. Copy the generated key immediately and store it in a secure location. You won't be able to see or copy the key once you finish generating it.

> **Note**
>
> **Note**: An API key grants full access to your account. Keep it as secure as
> you would a password, and don't use one in a browser or a mobile app; see
> [API keys](/marketing/api-concepts/authentication/api-keys) for why.

## Next steps

* [Send your first API request](/marketing/build/start-developing/send-your-first-api-request)
* [Set up an OAuth app](/marketing/build/start-developing/set-up-an-oauth-app), if your application needs to access other users' accounts

> Find all the Mailchimp API documentation and tools developers need to send marketing and transactional emails.