# Authentication

The Global Exchange Rates API supports authentication using **subscription API keys**.

:::tip[]
You can use your API key in this documentation to try out the requests. 
Use the `Try out` button on each request, and fill your subscription key in the `Authorization Token` field of the `Auth` tab.
:::

### Generating subscription API keys

The API keys are automatically generated by signing up to the [Developer API Portal](https://dev.globalexchangerates.org/Account/Signup).

:::highlight green 💡
It's possibile to subscribe to the 30-day free trial to test API. During the trial period, all features of the selected plan are available.
:::

Each plan includes both a primary and a secondary API key.




### Authentication methods

The API supports two authentication methods:
- Using the header `Subscription-Key`
- Using the query parameter `subscription-key`

Example using the query parameter:
`https://api.globalexchangerates.org/v1/currencies?subscription-key=<subscription-key-value>`


### Regenerating API keys

The API keys should be kept private and secure. If you need to regenerate them, contact us.