> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.staging01.melio.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Join the Melio Payments API beta - apply for access, get your API key, and start building.

Welcome 👋 The Melio Payments API lets you move money to any business - collect funds, pay out on any rail, and track every payment, with compliance and delivery handled for you. This page walks you through joining the beta and getting your API key.

<Info>
  **The Melio Payments API is currently in private beta.** Access is granted to approved partners so we can support each integration closely and shape the product together. Getting in starts with a short application.
</Info>

## Apply for beta access

The first step is a quick application telling us who you are and what you're building.

<Card title="Apply for beta access" icon="rocket" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7tbAVa5rh9Nd3hVlQtQXqt_PDIjta7Dho1YvFAysuSxwf5w/viewform">
  Fill out the beta registration form - it takes just a few minutes.
</Card>

**Have a few details ready:** your company, what you're building, how you'll use the API, the industry you operate in, and your expected payment volume. The clearer your use case, the faster we can review it.

## From application to API key

Here's the full journey, from applying to building live:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Apply">
    Submit the [beta registration form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7tbAVa5rh9Nd3hVlQtQXqt_PDIjta7Dho1YvFAysuSxwf5w/viewform). We review every application.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Application review">
    Our team reviews your application to understand your use case and fit for the beta. We'll email you the next step - and may ask for a little more detail.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Discovery call">
    A short call with our team to talk through what you're building, who you'll pay, your expected volume, and your timeline. It's also your chance to ask us anything.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Onboarding">
    You accept the Melio API Agreement (along with the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service), and we set up your account so you're ready to build.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build in staging">
    We securely deliver your **staging API key**. Integrate against the test environment and run at least one test payment to confirm everything works end to end. We'll be in close contact throughout.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go live">
    When you're ready, share your integration and payment flow with us for a quick approval. Once approved, we issue your **production API key** - and you're live.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  During the beta you work directly with our team, and your feedback shapes what we build next. We keep a regular sync going so you're never stuck.
</Note>

## Once you're in

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Introduction" icon="book-open" href="/docs/introduction">
    The big picture - core concepts, environments, and how the pieces fit.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/docs/authentication">
    Use your API key to authenticate requests.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Payments" icon="arrow-right" href="/docs/payments">
    Amounts, delivery preferences, and the payment lifecycle.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>