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AI builders

Bring your own AI key: control cost, model, and data

Elena VasquezNovember 28, 20254 min read

Not every team wants AI usage bundled into an opaque subscription. MakeMerge supports bring-your-own-key from day one: connect your provider, choose models per project, and pay the vendor directly. We charge for site slots and WordPress push — not a markup on every token.

Why BYOK matters for agencies

Clients increasingly ask where content is processed and who pays for inference. With your own key, the answer is straightforward: your OpenAI or Anthropic account, your data processing agreement, your invoice. Rotate keys per client workspace if you need isolation.

Credits when you prefer simplicity

Solo builders and small teams can skip key management and buy credit packs from five dollars when they need them. No forced monthly AI subscription — top up before a big import week and pause when you are only doing manual edits.

Practical setup

Add your key in workspace settings, pick a default model for new projects, and override per chat session when you want a cheaper model for copy tweaks and a stronger one for layout generation. Usage still appears in MakeMerge analytics so you can reconcile client billing without surprise overages.

Build it once. Own it forever.

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