Tooling
API Key
A unique token used to sign and authorize requests to Kalshi's REST and WebSocket APIs.
Detailed explanation
An API key is a secret credential you use to access Kalshi’s read and trade endpoints. It authorizes your application to fetch market data, view balances, place orders, and manage positions via the Kalshi REST and WebSocket APIs. Treat it like a password: keep it in secure storage, rotate it if compromised, and never expose it in client-side code. The key is tied to your Kalshi account and, when combined with a signed timestamp, authenticates each request.
Worked example
Fetch market data: GET /markets with your API key in the header; place a trade: POST /portfolio/orders with your API key and a timestamp. If YES is 42¢ and NO is 56¢ (sum 98¢), you might buy YES at 42¢ and NO at 56¢ to capture a 2¢ edge.
FAQ
- What is an API key?
- An API key is a secret token that authenticates your requests to Kalshi’s APIs, tying actions to your account.
- How should I protect my API key?
- Store it securely (e.g., server environment variables, vaults), never embed it in client code, and rotate it if you suspect it’s compromised.
- Do I need an API key to trade?
- Authenticated endpoints (e.g., placing orders, viewing positions) require an API key; read-only data can be accessed with public endpoints or a signed request.
See API Key on a live Kalshi market
KalshiArb scans every open Kalshi market for arbitrage edges where YES + NO < $1.00. Plug in your Kalshi API key and start receiving alerts in under 5 minutes.