How to get a DeepSeek API key
Get your DeepSeek API key for the DeepSeek V4 chat and reasoning models
DeepSeek serves its own models through an OpenAI-compatible API. You create a key in the DeepSeek Platform, then connect it to MultimodelChat as an OpenAI-Compatible provider using DeepSeek's base URL.
sk-DeepSeek API usage is prepaid. Top up your balance in the DeepSeek Platform before the key will serve requests.
How to get a DeepSeek API key
Create an account at platform.deepseek.com, add credit to your balance, then create a key under API Keys. DeepSeek's endpoint is OpenAI-compatible, so connect it in MultimodelChat using the OpenAI-Compatible provider with the base URL https://api.deepseek.com.
- Create or sign in to a DeepSeek Platform account
- Top up your API balance
- Create an API key and copy it once
- Connect it as an OpenAI-Compatible provider with base URL https://api.deepseek.com
Connect it to MultimodelChat
Once you have the required credentials, start your free trial, add this provider in Settings, and save the connection. MultimodelChat encrypts the API key before storing it.
Available models on Multimodel Chat
DeepSeek serves its own models (such as the DeepSeek V4 chat and reasoner families) through an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Add the exact model IDs from the DeepSeek documentation.
Step-by-step guide
Create a DeepSeek Platform Account
Sign up at platform.deepseek.com.
- Go to https://platform.deepseek.com
- Sign up with email or a linked account
- Confirm your email if prompted
Add credit to your balance
DeepSeek API usage is prepaid.
- Open the Billing or Top up section of the console
- Add a payment method and top up your balance
- Confirm the current pricing and minimum top-up in the DeepSeek docs
DeepSeek prices are billed per million tokens and can change. Check the current rates before heavy use.
Create a DeepSeek API key
Generate the key from the API Keys page.
- Go to https://platform.deepseek.com/api_keys
- Click "Create new API key"
- Give it a name such as "Multimodel Chat"
- Copy the key immediately — it is shown only once
If you close the dialog without copying, delete the key and create a new one.
Connect it as an OpenAI-Compatible provider
DeepSeek uses the OpenAI request format.
- In MultimodelChat, go to Settings → API Keys
- Select "OpenAI-Compatible"
- Base URL: https://api.deepseek.com
- Paste your DeepSeek API key
- Add the exact model ID from the DeepSeek docs (for example deepseek-chat)
- Save — MultimodelChat tests the key against the endpoint
Common issues
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Insufficient balance | Top up your DeepSeek Platform balance — prepaid credit is required |
| Authentication failed | Re-copy the key with no extra spaces; DeepSeek keys start with sk- |
| Model not found | Use the exact model ID from the DeepSeek docs, not a display name |
| Connection refused | Confirm the base URL is https://api.deepseek.com |
Frequently asked questions
Is DeepSeek free?
The DeepSeek API is prepaid, so requests are billed against your topped-up balance. Any promotional credits depend on the current terms of your DeepSeek account.
Which base URL does MultimodelChat use for DeepSeek?
Use https://api.deepseek.com. MultimodelChat calls {baseURL}/models, and DeepSeek also accepts the /v1 suffix when one is appended.
Set up another provider
Related guides
Provider requirements and pricing last reviewed October 10, 2026. Check the linked provider documentation for current terms before purchasing credits.
Ready to connect your DeepSeek key?
Paste your API key and Multimodel Chat tests it live against the provider before saving. The key is encrypted in this browser's vault and used only for your requests.
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