Why DeepSeek API?
DeepSeek-V3 and R1 are among the most cost-effective LLMs available in 2026.
But there's a problem: the official DeepSeek platform (platform.deepseek.com) requires a Chinese phone number (+86) to register, and frequently rate-limits international users.
This guide shows you how to get a stable, production-ready DeepSeek API key without those barriers.
Step 1: Get Your DeepSeek API Key
Option A: Official Platform (requires +86 phone)
1. Visit platform.deepseek.com
2. Register with email + Chinese phone number
3. Top up balance (supports Alipay/WeChat Pay only)
4. Go to API Keys -> Create new key
Option B: AiCredits (International Access) ✅
AiCredits provides resold DeepSeek API access with no phone verification:
1. Visit aicreditsapi.com
2. Click Get Started — no phone number required
3. Pay with Visa/Mastercard/PayPal/UPI (India)
4. Receive API key instantly via email
Step 2: Make Your First API Call
DeepSeek API is fully OpenAI-compatible. If you've used OpenAI's API, you already know how to use DeepSeek.
Python Example:
import openai
client = openai.OpenAI(
api_key="YOUR_AICREDITS_API_KEY",
base_url="https://api.aicreditsapi.com/v1"
)
response = client.chat.completions.create(
model="deepseek-chat",
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)
FAQ
Q: Do I need a Chinese phone number?
A: Not with AiCredits. Official DeepSeek requires +86.
Q: Is this the same quality as official DeepSeek?
A: Yes — we resell official DeepSeek API access with added reliability features.