[账号注册] Relatively reliable methods and channels for topping up OpenAI/ChatGPT API

Recharging an API is indeed a rather troublesome issue, and few bloggers share this kind of content, mainly because recharge methods are unstable. After all, it involves money, and if the recharge fails, they will be blamed. It is truly a thankless task. The moderator has also been frequently consulted about this kind of issue on other social platforms, so today I will share the method.

Use Cases

Which method to use depends on your environment and purpose.

1. Application Development
It is recommended to buy an API directly on Taobao; just search for openai api. This is also quite cheap. After purchase, they will automatically deliver a string of apikey to you. The disadvantage is that it is unstable, has no backend, and is only valid for one month. The reason is that most of these APIs are purchased through upstream channels by binding a credit card for pre-payment, and then canceling the card binding when the payment is about to be deducted, so they can keep the cost very low.

2. Fine-tuning Large Models
If you need to fine-tune a large model, then you still need to recharge your own account. Fine-tuning a large model requires the account backend, and parameters need to be set in the backend, so having only an apikey is not enough.

The Moderator's Advice

No matter which method you use, you actually need to understand the API usage situation more, including the choice of different models and the consumption situation of different models. You need to understand these to know how to choose different models for different environments and the consumption situation. If your project is important, then ensuring stability is essential. After your application is created and the project is running, you can later use low-priced APIs as a substitute.

Channel Recommendation

There is no particularly reliable recharge channel, and none is 100% stable. I have always used https://wildcard.com.cn/i/8DBJ4JRI. 8DBJ4JRI is my invitation code. Using this invitation code can save you a little on the cost. Everyone will have such an invitation code after registering, but if you do not use a link like mine, you will not get the discount. PS: I get no substantive benefit.

This channel provides a one-stop service, including registration, registration environment, customer support, etc.

Brief Introduction to the Steps

After registering, the first step is to activate membership. You will pay a fee, around 70 yuan, and the services mentioned above will be included, but there is a usage limit. If you exceed the limit, you will need to pay separately, but it is enough for operating just one account. After successfully activating membership, you will get the card and related information.

• After purchasing membership, use their home network, install the browser plugin, and fill in the account and password according to their instructions. You must use it before logging into the OpenAI account.
  
• Log in to the account. I suggest you create a new OpenAI account and log out of the previous OpenAI account first, in case one day it becomes unstable and gets banned, it will be your alt account that gets banned.
  
• Then go to the payment page and enter your card number information to recharge.
  

Common Questions

If you still encounter a situation where the recharge is rejected after following the above operations, then just set it to automatic recharge.