Connecting Claude to n8n

n8n's Anthropic node has a Base URL field, so a purchased Claude key drops straight in — no Anthropic account, no approval. Buy a key, paste it, point the Base URL at the gateway, and your workflows reason with Claude.

Buy a key and build the credential

Get a key on ClaudeAPIKey.dev (register, add credit, generate). In n8n, create an Anthropic credential, paste the key (sent as x-api-key), and set the Base URL to the gateway host root. Attach it to the Anthropic Chat Model node.

Enter the host root only — n8n appends /v1/messages and /v1/models. Adding /v1 yourself doubles the path.

The '/v1/models' credential fix

If you see 'n8n Claude API key not working', it's usually not the key. n8n's credential test calls GET {BaseURL}/v1/models; a gateway without it fails the test even though chat works. Our gateway implements /v1/models, so the credential saves.

Auth scheme is the other cause — n8n sends x-api-key; a Bearer gateway 401s. Use Add Custom Header for Bearer.

Why a bought key suits n8n

You skip the Anthropic account entirely and pay as you go — ideal for automations where you want a predictable per-call cost and instant setup. Top up with card or crypto as your workflows grow.

A single key powers every Anthropic node across all your workflows.

Start automating

With the credential saved, feed the Anthropic Chat Model into an AI Agent or LLM Chain and your scheduled or webhook-triggered workflows run on Claude.

New accounts get a free credit to test the connection first.

# n8n -> Credentials -> Anthropic
# API Key:  <your gateway key>
# Base URL: https://claudeapikey.dev        (host root, NO /v1)
# Attach to: Anthropic Chat Model -> AI Agent node
# If gateway needs Bearer: 'Add Custom Header'
#   Authorization: Bearer <key>

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect Claude to n8n without an Anthropic account?
Buy a key on ClaudeAPIKey.dev, create an Anthropic credential in n8n, set the Base URL to the gateway host root, and paste the key.

Why does n8n say my key isn't working?
Its test calls /v1/models; a gateway lacking it fails the test. Ours implements it. Bearer-vs-x-api-key is the other cause.

Does the Base URL include /v1?
No — host root only; n8n appends the paths.

Is there a free credit?
Yes — new accounts get WELCOME5 to test before topping up.

Claude API Key is an independent API gateway. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a reseller of Anthropic. Claude and related model names are trademarks of their respective owners.