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

# MCP API Keys

> Generate and manage dedicated keys for Model Context Protocol integrations.

MCP keys use the `nsk_mcp_` prefix and enforce dedicated rate limits and security boundaries separate from standard gateway API keys.

## Key Format

Every Neosantara MCP key adheres to the following structure:

```text theme={"theme":{"light":"ayu-dark","dark":"catppuccin-latte"}}
nsk_mcp_32characterhexadecimaluuid
```

Example: `nsk_mcp_4f8b9e2a1c3d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b`

## Supported Authentication Headers

The MCP endpoint (`https://api.neosantara.xyz/v1/mcp`) accepts keys via either of the following headers:

```http theme={"theme":{"light":"ayu-dark","dark":"catppuccin-latte"}}
x-api-key: nsk_mcp_your_key_here
```

or

```http theme={"theme":{"light":"ayu-dark","dark":"catppuccin-latte"}}
Authorization: Bearer nsk_mcp_your_key_here
```

## Creating Keys via Dashboard

1. Navigate to the [Neosantara Dashboard](https://app.neosantara.xyz/api-keys).
2. Click **Create MCP Key**.
3. Provide a descriptive label (for example: `[MCP] Cursor IDE`).
4. Copy and store the key securely; it is displayed only once.

## Creating Keys via API

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"ayu-dark","dark":"catppuccin-latte"}}
curl -X POST "https://api.neosantara.xyz/v1/mcp/keys" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_SESSION_OR_JWT" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"name": "[MCP] Coding Assistant"}'
```

## Tier Quotas & Rate Limits

The MCP gateway applies rate limiting backed by sliding Redis counters to maintain server stability:

1. **RPM Limit**: Request volume per minute per MCP API key.
2. **Daily Requests**: Daily request volume quota per MCP API key across a 24-hour window.
3. **Active Key Limit**: Each user account may provision up to **5 active MCP keys**.
4. **Summary Token Guard**: Maximum output tokens allowed when running audit summary tools (`mcp_summary_max_tokens`).

| Account Tier   | RPM Limit | Daily Requests | Max Summary Tokens |
| :------------- | :-------- | :------------- | :----------------- |
| **Free**       | 20 RPM    | 500 req/day    | 900 tokens         |
| **Basic**      | 40 RPM    | 1,500 req/day  | 1,200 tokens       |
| **Standard**   | 60 RPM    | 3,000 req/day  | 1,600 tokens       |
| **Pro**        | 120 RPM   | 8,000 req/day  | 2,200 tokens       |
| **Enterprise** | 240 RPM   | 20,000 req/day | 3,200 tokens       |
| **Admin**      | Unlimited | Unlimited      | 6,400 tokens       |

## Next Steps

| Task                | Guide                                             |
| :------------------ | :------------------------------------------------ |
| MCP Architecture    | [MCP Overview](/en/agents/overview)               |
| Connect Cursor      | [Cursor Integration](/en/agents/cursor)           |
| Connect Claude Code | [Claude Code Integration](/en/agents/claude-code) |


## Related topics

- [MCP Connector](/en/agents/mcp-connector.md)
- [Cursor Integration](/en/agents/cursor.md)
- [Rate Limits & Throughput](/en/guides/rate-limits.md)