Do I need an API key, or does my Claude subscription work?

MyAgens needs a way to reach a model. Claude is the default and this guide covers the two ways to connect it, plus running without it entirely. You only need one of them.

Option 1: your Claude subscription (Pro or Max)

If you pay for Claude Pro or Max, you can use it. During setup, MyAgens runs claude setup-token, which opens your browser and logs the Claude CLI into your account. No API key, no per-token billing: your agents draw on your existing plan.

This is the simplest path if you already have Pro or Max. Note that a free Claude account is not enough; the login step requires a paid plan.

Option 2: an Anthropic API key

If you would rather pay per use, set an ANTHROPIC_API_KEY instead. When a key is present it takes precedence over the subscription login. You are billed by Anthropic for what your agents use, which is worth watching if you run a busy fleet.

Create a key in the Anthropic Console, then give it to MyAgens during setup or in your config.

Option 3: a local or OpenAI-compatible model

You do not have to use Anthropic at all. MyAgens can point at a local model through LM Studio or Ollama, or any OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible endpoint, so everything stays on your machine with no cloud key. Full setup and per-agent routing live in bring your own model.

Which should I pick?

• Already pay for Pro or Max? Use the subscription. It is the least fuss.
• Want usage-based billing or no browser login? Use an API key.
• Want everything offline and private? Point it at a local model.

You can change models per agent later, so a Lead can run a cheap local model while Atlas uses a frontier one. If turns are failing, it is almost always the login; see MyAgens will not start and run the built-in doctor.