How does BYOK work for AI agents?
How does BYOK work for AI agents? BYOK, or “bring your own key”, means you give the agent platform an API key from your own AI provider account. When an agent needs to think or write, the platform calls the model with your key, and the provider bills you directly. The platform charges only for its own service, so AI usage is never marked up.
Step by step
- ▶Create an account with an AI provider such as Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini or OpenRouter.
- ▶Generate an API key in the provider’s dashboard and set a monthly spending limit.
- ▶Paste the key into your agent platform’s settings.
- ▶Assign models to your agents; each request is billed to your provider account.
- ▶Review usage in the platform’s cost tracking and in your provider dashboard.
How the costs split
With BYOK there are two bills. The platform charges for what it provides: hosting, agents, integrations, schedules and support. Your AI provider charges for model usage, measured in tokens. A short task on a small model may cost a fraction of a cent; a long research task on a top model costs more. Because you see the provider’s real prices, you can choose the right model for each job.
BYOK vs bundled AI credits
- ▶Bundled credits are simple, but the platform sets the price and often adds a margin.
- ▶BYOK costs you the provider’s own rate and lets you set limits directly with them.
- ▶Bundled plans often tie you to one model; BYOK lets you pick and switch.
- ▶BYOK keeps the relationship with the AI provider in your name, which matters for data and compliance policies.
Keeping your key safe
Treat an API key like a password. Create a dedicated key for each platform so you can revoke it on its own, set a spending cap at the provider, and check usage regularly. Good platforms store keys encrypted and never show them back in full.
BYOK in Clyde
Clyde is built around BYOK. Clyde Cloud supports Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini and OpenRouter keys, tracks the cost of every task, and lets you run each agent on a different model. The open-source self-hosted version works the same way.
Frequently asked questions
Is BYOK cheaper?
Usually, for regular use. You pay the provider’s published rate with no markup, and you can move routine tasks to cheaper models. Very light users may find bundled credits simpler.
Can someone else spend my AI credits with my key?
Only if the key leaks. Use a separate key per platform, set a spending limit with your provider, and revoke the key if you stop using the platform.
Which providers can I use with Clyde?
Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini and OpenRouter. OpenRouter gives access to hundreds of further models with one key.
PUT CLYDE TO WORK
Clyde Cloud is hosted, so your AI team is online in minutes. Plans start at $5 a month: connect your apps, bring your own AI key and cancel anytime.