BYOK
BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) lets you use your own API keys with AI providers. Steinkauz does not bill you for inference; you pay each provider according to their pricing. You still need an active BYOK plan (individual or per seat on organizations) for platform access.
Supported providers
Enable providers in Settings → Providers and add your API keys. For the full list, see BYOK Providers.
You are responsible for complying with each provider’s terms of service and privacy policy.
What BYOK includes
- Your keys, your data: Requests go to providers using your keys; you have a direct relationship with each provider.
- No inference markup: Steinkauz does not charge for usage; you pay providers directly.
- Routing control: Set an execution environment on each provider and configure your routing matrix. In chat, use the shield next to Share for Auto or Manual sensitivity per thread.
- Web search via SearXNG: On BYOK, web search uses a self-hosted or mounted SearXNG provider you configure — Steinkauz does not charge a search fee (invocations are audited only).
Individual vs organization
| Individual (Personal) | Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Your personal BYOK plan | Organization BYOK plan, per billable seat |
| Provider settings | You configure | Owners/admins configure for the organization |
| Who can use inference | You | Each billable member |
Billable seat required: In organizations, every member who uses chat or API Access needs a billable seat — including on BYOK.
Configuration
Add and manage BYOK providers in Settings → Providers while the relevant context is active. Step-by-step: BYOK Provider Configuration.
When BYOK makes sense
- You already have accounts with one or more AI providers.
- You want to minimize inference charges through Steinkauz.
- You need strict control over which providers process your data.
If you prefer included inference budget without managing keys, see Gateway plans and Plans overview.