generated: '2026-07-20'
method: searched
source: https://docs.orthogonal.com/authentication.md + concepts/pricing.md
description: >-
  Orthogonal separates test and live usage by API-key prefix. Test keys run the
  same discovery/run surface without incurring charges. New accounts get free
  credits to try live calls.
modes:
- mode: test
  key_prefix: orth_test_
  billable: false
  note: Testing; calls are not charged.
- mode: live
  key_prefix: orth_live_
  billable: true
  note: Production; per-call pricing applies.
free_credits:
  amount_usd: 5
  note: '$5 in free credits on new accounts; no credit card required.'
env_var: ORTHOGONAL_API_KEY
test_values: >-
  No fixed/published test fixtures, test cards, or hosted test tokens — test mode
  simply suppresses billing. Do not invent test values.