Accounts overview

Prepare the accounts for your current stage. Each service name links to a guide showing where to get its key and where to save it. You can build and launch on the free plans; the costs column shows where a paid plan or credits come in.

Before Kickstart

The default setup needs Supabase, Stripe test and Resend credentials. OpenRouter is optional.

Stripe gives every account a test environment and a live one. Test keys start with sk_test_ and use test card numbers, so you can try checkout without charging anyone. You only need the live key when you deploy.

For AI, add the OpenRouter key and set AI_ENABLED=true. Otherwise, leave AI_ENABLED=false: your app works, but AI chat is unavailable.

Before deployment

Keep your existing .env, Supabase project and optional OpenRouter setup. Prepare these when your local app is ready to go online:

Vercel's Hobby plan is limited to personal, non-commercial projects. Upgrade to Pro before your app takes payments. Every provider has its own usage limits, and live Stripe payments charge real money.

Where to save your keys

All keys go in one file named .env, in the project folder beside package.json. Create it from the example file if it doesn't exist yet:

cp .env.example .env

Run the command from the project folder, or keep your existing .env if you already have one. Open .env in your editor, paste each key after the = on its existing line and save. Use .env, not .env.local or .env.txt. Files starting with a dot are hidden in Finder by default; your editor's file list shows them.

If you use an AI agent, give it this prompt to prepare the file, then paste the keys yourself:

You're ready when

• .env exists beside package.json.
• SUPABASE_ACCESS_TOKEN, STRIPE_TEST_SECRET_KEY and RESEND_API_KEY each have one saved value.
• If you want AI chat, OPENROUTER_API_KEY is saved and AI_ENABLED=true.