---
title: "Access the API"
description: "How to authenticate with the iwoca Lending API"
icon: "key"
---

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt).

Get access to the iwoca Lending API sandbox environment and start building your integration.

## Getting your API token

<Steps>
  <Step title="Join the Developer Portal">
    After discussing your integration plans with iwoca, you'll be invited to our [Partner Developer Portal](https://stage.iwoca-dev.co.uk/login/), where you can retrieve your sandbox API token.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Connect to the sandbox">
    The sandbox base URL is:

    ```text
    https://stage.iwoca-dev.co.uk
    ```
  </Step>
  <Step title="Verify your connection">
    Use the `/authentication_check/` endpoint to confirm your token is working.
    A successful request returns `200 OK` with the API version.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Authentication

Make every request over HTTPS and authenticate with a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header:

```http
Authorization: Bearer {your_api_token}
```

## Required headers

| Header | Value | When |
|---|---|---|
| `Accept` | `application/json` | Every request |
| `Content-Type` | `application/json` | POST requests |
| `Authorization` | `Bearer {token}` | Every request |

<Warning>
Requests must come directly from your back end – never expose your API token in client-side code.
</Warning>

---

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Integration options" icon="plug" href="/guides/integration-options/overview">
    Choose your integration approach
  </Card>
  <Card title="API reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/overview">
    Explore the full endpoint documentation
  </Card>
  <Card title="Build with AI" icon="microchip-ai" href="/guides/getting-started/ai-integration">
    Point your AI coding tool at our docs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>