DraftKite

Use your own OpenAI key (BYOK)

3 min read · Updated May 8, 2026

If you already have an OpenAI account and prefer to be billed directly from there — or if your usage is so high that skipping the DraftKite middle layer is cheaper — you can switch your account to 'independent' mode and add your own API key. DraftKite uses it for all your drafts and classifications; no meter, no overage.

In this article
  1. 1.When does it make sense?
  2. 2.How to set it up
  3. 3.What are you responsible for?

When does it make sense?

  • You already have a paid OpenAI subscription with generous rate limits.
  • You process so many emails per month that managed pricing becomes more expensive than going direct.
  • You have strict data-residency requirements and want your prompts invoiced and logged with OpenAI under your own company name.

How to set it up

  1. Ask support@draftkite.com to flip your account to 'independent' mode. We usually do it the same day.
  2. Once you're in independent mode, a BYOK form appears under Settings.
  3. Paste your OpenAI API key (sk-...). We encrypt it with AES-256-GCM before storing it.
  4. Your Stripe subscription switches to a flat monthly 'platform fee' instead of per-draft metering.

What are you responsible for?

  • Rate limits. If OpenAI throttles you, drafts fail until the limit opens up again.
  • Model availability. If your key doesn't have access to the model DraftKite uses, it won't work.
  • Billing overview. You'll need to check your OpenAI usage yourself. We don't show OpenAI spend in the DraftKite dashboard in this mode.

You can always switch back to managed. Write to support and we'll help.

Missing something?

If you need help with setup, or have any other questions, you can write to support@draftkite.com. We usually reply within one business day.

Emailsupport@draftkite.com
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