# Setup guide

Before you can integrate IVPAY payment gateway, you'll need to make sure you have a merchant account set up. If you don't, please sign-up on [app.ivpay.io](https://app.ivpay.io/register).

## API Key

IVPAY API requires an **API key** to authenticate all requests. This key must be passed via the header for every request.

{% hint style="warning" %}
This key is specific to your user and should not be shared for use outside of your business account.
{% endhint %}

To get your API Key follow [these](https://app.gitbook.com/o/ax8rTfKH5p9uuWRPSUme/s/cBVhxOcdrPvxpPKgzK4h/~/changes/12/docs/get-started/obtaining-api-keys) instructions.

Once you have your API Key, you'll want to understand the [concepts](https://docs.ivpay.io/start/get-started/concepts) behind IVPAY payment gateway and build your first integration.

## IVPAY API

The IVPAY API can be used from outside the IVPAY system, and can be accessed via it's RESTful endpoints.

Once you have your API Key, you're already able to start making your first API call.

**Make your first API call**

{% content-ref url="../ivpay-api" %}
[ivpay-api](https://docs.ivpay.io/start/ivpay-api)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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