Base URLRequest Endpoint
Determines where requests are sent. Do not confuse it with the website homepage.
What Problem Does an AI API Relay Solve?
An AI API relay sits between applications that support custom APIs and model services. After you enter a Base URL, API Key, and model name, the application can call the corresponding model through that endpoint.
A relay changes the request endpoint and how keys and usage are managed. Model capabilities, context length, and tool support still depend on the model actually called and the level of API compatibility.
How a Request Is Relayed
The relay service authenticates with an API Key, routes the request by model name, and returns the response to the application. Confirm these three items when connecting.
API KeyAccount Authentication
Identifies the account and its permissions. Never put it on a public page, in a repository, or in a screenshot.
ModelModel Name
Determines which model the request uses. Use the name shown in the console.
How Does Direct Model Access Differ from an API Relay?
Direct access through a model provider is billed at the provider's official price, which is higher than the relay price offered here. KHaiXAPI obtains a cost advantage through dedicated model-access channels and provides the same model's full capabilities at a lower price.
No model downgrades: KHaiXAPI relays the full specification of the selected model without using a lower-tier, reduced, or substitute model. Requests travel over encrypted connections, and keys and data are handled under the platform's security rules.
| Comparison | Direct Model Access | API Relay |
|---|---|---|
| API endpoint | Uses the official URL provided by the model provider | Uses the unified URL provided by the relay service |
| Model range | Usually focuses on models from one provider | May provide multiple model brands through one account |
| Request price | Billed at the model provider's official published price | Uses dedicated channels to reduce request costs and prices |
| Model quality | Uses the full model provided by the vendor | The same model has the same quality and capabilities, with no relay or downgraded edition |
| Keys and usage | Managed in the corresponding provider's portal | Reviewed together in the relay service console |
| Compatibility | Defined by the official API specification | Depends on the relay service's protocol compatibility |
Which AI Applications Are Suitable?
Whether an application can connect depends on whether it lets you enter an API URL, key, and model name. Applications that support only built-in services usually cannot use an external relay API.
Chat, Writing, and Translation Apps
For users who need to switch models, process long text, or manage multiple configurations.
AI Coding Tools
Includes command-line tools, editor extensions, and coding applications that support custom APIs.
Knowledge Bases and Customer Support
For document Q&A, internal knowledge retrieval, customer-service responses, and content organization.
Automation and Internal Tools
For model calls in workflows, spreadsheet processing, batch tasks, and business systems.
Six Things to Check When Choosing an API Relay
In addition to multipliers, review API compatibility, usage records, data-handling boundaries, and customer support.
- Model information: Are model names, context limits, availability, and prices clearly explained?
- API compatibility: Does it support your existing application, and do the setup documentation and error messages make troubleshooting practical?
- Billing records: Can you review the model, token usage, cost, time, and request status?
- Data scope: Is it clear how prompts, responses, and billing records are handled?
- Policy boundaries: Are Terms of Service, a Usage Policy, a Privacy Policy, supported countries and regions, and Service-Specific Terms provided?
- Support channels: Is customer support available for setup, billing, or API issues?
How Is API Relay Usage Billed?
Model requests are typically billed by actual usage, such as input and output tokens. Unit prices, billing units, multipliers, and availability can vary by model. The live information and request records in the console are authoritative.
When you first use the service, send a small number of test requests, then review the model name, input and output tokens, cost, and request status. Separate API Keys for different applications also make it easier to distinguish usage and locate anomalies.
For details about tokens, input and output unit prices, and multiplier conventions, continue to the billing guide.
Where Does Data Go When You Use an API Relay?
When you use a relay service, request content passes through the relay API before reaching the model service. KHaiXAPI does not write user prompts or model responses to business storage. It retains only data required to complete requests and billing, such as request time, model, token usage, cost, and request status.
This does not mean you can disregard the sensitivity of your input. Whether you use direct access or a relay, avoid submitting passwords, private keys, access tokens, or unnecessary sensitive personal information, and understand the policies of the model service that ultimately processes the request.
For specific usage boundaries, see the Terms of Service, Usage Policy, Privacy Policy, Supported Countries and Regions, and Service-Specific Terms.
Complete API Integration in Four Steps
- Confirm that the application supports a custom Base URL, API Key, and model name.
- Open the console, create an API Key, and review currently available models and prices.
- Follow the documentation to enter the API URL, key, and model name.
- Send a short test request, then review the request record and cost in the console.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an AI API relay and a model provider's official service?
Direct access through a model provider is billed at the provider's official price. KHaiXAPI obtains cost advantages through dedicated model-access channels and provides unified key, request-log, and usage management.
Is there any quality difference between a relayed model and the official model?
When the same model is used, its quality and capabilities are the same through the relay and the official service. There is no separate relay edition, reduced edition, or downgraded edition.
Can every AI application use an API relay?
No. The application must support a custom Base URL and API Key and let you enter a model name that is available from the service.
Will changing the Base URL change the application's features?
It usually does not change the application interface, but available models, API compatibility, and some advanced features may vary by service.
What data is processed by the relay service and the upstream model provider?
The relay service forwards requests and handles authentication, routing, and billing, while the upstream model provider processes requests to generate responses. KHaiXAPI does not write prompts or model responses to business storage and retains only the data required for requests and billing. Upstream processing is governed by the relevant model service's policies.
How can I verify that API request billing is accurate?
Review the model, input and output tokens, cost, and request status in the console. Using a different API Key for each application is recommended.
What should I check if requests fail after setup?
Check the Base URL, API Key, model name, and account status in order, then compare your setup with the documentation. if the issue remains unresolved.