How to apply for an API key on Coinbase What are the permissions

Applying for a Coinbase API key is easy: visit the Developer Portal, log in, click "New API Key," set permissions, and create. Securely manage and use your key for programmatic access.

May 10, 2025 at 10:49 pm

Applying for an API key on Coinbase is a straightforward process that allows you to access your account programmatically. This guide will walk you through the steps to apply for an API key and explain the permissions associated with it.

Accessing the Coinbase Developer Portal

To begin, you need to access the Coinbase Developer Portal. This is where you can manage your API keys and set permissions.

• Visit the Coinbase website and navigate to the developer section. You can find this by clicking on the "Developers" link in the footer of the Coinbase homepage.
• Log in to your Coinbase account if you are not already logged in. You will need to use the same credentials you use for your Coinbase account.
• Once logged in, you will be directed to the Coinbase Developer Dashboard.

Applying for an API Key

After accessing the Developer Dashboard, you can apply for an API key.

• Click on the "New API Key" button. This will start the process of creating a new API key.
• Enter a name for your API key. This name should be descriptive and help you remember the purpose of the key.
• Set the permissions for your API key. You will be presented with a list of permissions that you can enable or disable. We will discuss these permissions in detail in the next section.
• Review the permissions and ensure they align with your intended use of the API key.
• Click on "Create API Key" to finalize the creation of your key.

Understanding API Key Permissions

When applying for an API key, you need to understand the permissions you are granting. Here are the main permissions you can set:

• Wallet:balances:get - This permission allows you to view the balances of your wallets.
• Wallet:transactions:send - This permission allows you to send transactions from your wallets.
• Wallet:transactions:request - This permission allows you to request transactions to your wallets.
• User:read - This permission allows you to read user information.
• User:email - This permission allows you to access the user's email address.

Each permission can be toggled on or off based on your needs. It is important to only grant the permissions necessary for your application to function, as this enhances the security of your account.

Managing Your API Key

Once your API key is created, you can manage it from the Developer Dashboard.

• View your API key details by clicking on the key in the list of your API keys.
• Copy the API key and secret. You will need these to authenticate your API requests. Note that you will only be able to view the secret once, so make sure to save it securely.
• Edit the permissions of your API key if needed. You can do this by clicking on the "Edit" button next to the key.
• Revoke the API key if you no longer need it. This can be done by clicking on the "Revoke" button next to the key.

Using Your API Key

To use your API key, you will need to include it in your API requests. Here is a basic example of how to use your API key in a request:

• Include the API key in the Authorization header of your HTTP request. The format should be Authorization: Bearer .
• Include the API secret in the request body or as a parameter, depending on the specific API endpoint you are using.
• Make the API request using your preferred programming language or tool. You can find detailed documentation on the Coinbase API endpoints in the Coinbase Developer Portal.

Security Considerations

When using an API key, it is important to consider security. Here are some best practices:

• Store your API key and secret securely. Never share them with anyone or store them in plain text.
• Use HTTPS for all API requests to ensure the data is encrypted in transit.
• Limit the permissions of your API key to only what is necessary for your application.
• Monitor your API key usage and revoke the key if you notice any suspicious activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I have multiple API keys for my Coinbase account?

A: Yes, you can have multiple API keys for your Coinbase account. Each key can have different permissions, allowing you to use them for different purposes.

Q: What should I do if I lose my API secret?

A: If you lose your API secret, you will need to revoke the API key and create a new one. There is no way to recover a lost API secret.

Q: Can I use my API key to access other Coinbase services like Coinbase Pro?

A: No, API keys created on the Coinbase platform are specific to Coinbase and cannot be used to access Coinbase Pro or other Coinbase services. You will need to create separate API keys for those services.

Q: How often should I rotate my API keys?

A: It is a good practice to rotate your API keys periodically, such as every few months, to enhance security. You can do this by revoking the old key and creating a new one with the same permissions.