How to get a Mistral API key
Get your Mistral API key from La Plateforme
Mistral's API (La Plateforme) is OpenAI-compatible. Create a key in the Mistral console, then connect it to MultimodelChat as an OpenAI-Compatible provider with Mistral's base URL.
VariesMistral offers a free experimentation tier with rate limits; production use requires a paid plan or credits. Confirm the current terms in the Mistral console.
How to get a Mistral API key
Sign in to the Mistral console, open API Keys, and create a key. Mistral's endpoint is OpenAI-compatible, so connect it in MultimodelChat using the OpenAI-Compatible provider with the base URL https://api.mistral.ai/v1.
- Create or sign in to a Mistral account
- Open API Keys in the console
- Create a key and copy it once
- Connect it with base URL https://api.mistral.ai/v1
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
La Plateforme serves Mistral's own models (for example Mistral Large and Medium) through an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Add the exact model IDs from the Mistral docs.
Step-by-step guide
Create a Mistral account
Sign up at console.mistral.ai.
- Go to https://console.mistral.ai
- Sign up with email or a linked account
- Complete any workspace setup prompts
Open API Keys
Find the API Keys section in the console sidebar.
- Open https://console.mistral.ai/api-keys
- Review any existing keys and their status
Create a key
Generate a new API key.
- Click "Create new key"
- Give it a descriptive name
- Copy the key immediately — it may be shown only once
Store the key securely; if you lose it you must create a new one.
Connect it as an OpenAI-Compatible provider
La Plateforme uses the OpenAI request format.
- In MultimodelChat, go to Settings → API Keys
- Select "OpenAI-Compatible"
- Base URL: https://api.mistral.ai/v1
- Paste your Mistral API key
- Add the model ID from the Mistral docs
- Save — MultimodelChat tests the key against the endpoint
Common issues
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Rate limited | The free experimentation tier has low limits — upgrade the plan or reduce request volume |
| Authentication failed | Re-copy the key with no extra spaces |
| Model not found | Use the exact model ID from the Mistral docs |
| Connection refused | Confirm the base URL includes the /v1 suffix |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mistral free to use?
Mistral offers a free experimentation tier for testing, with lower rate limits. Higher-volume production use requires a paid plan or credits, so check the current Mistral pricing page.
What base URL should I use?
Use https://api.mistral.ai/v1 as the OpenAI-Compatible base URL in MultimodelChat.
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 Mistral 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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