> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.meow.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart: make your first Meow API call in minutes

> Generate an API key, send your first authenticated request, and explore Meow sandbox and production environments for testing and live integrations.

## Prerequisites

* A Meow account
* An API key from the [Meow Dashboard](https://www.meow.com/dashboard)

## Make your first API call

Authenticate by passing your API key in the `x-api-key` header:

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" https://api.meow.com/v1/accounts
```

A successful response returns your accounts.

## Environments

| Environment | Base URL                          |
| ----------- | --------------------------------- |
| Production  | `https://api.meow.com/v1`         |
| Sandbox     | `https://api.sandbox.meow.com/v1` |
| Development | `https://api.dev.meow.com/v1`     |

<Note>
  Use the sandbox environment for development and testing before going live.
</Note>

## What can you build?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Accounts & Balances" icon="building-columns" href="/api-reference/overview">
    Access account information, transactions, balances, and payment networks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transfers" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left" href="/guides/transfers">
    Send ACH, wire, book, and crypto transfers programmatically.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contacts" icon="address-book" href="/guides/contacts">
    Manage cryptocurrency contacts for USDC transactions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invoicing" icon="file-invoice-dollar" href="/guides/invoicing">
    Create invoices with line items, discounts, and flexible payment options.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set up authentication">
    Learn about [API key scopes and multi-entity access](/authentication).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow a tutorial">
    Try [sending a USDC transfer](/guides/transfers) or [creating an invoice](/guides/invoicing).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore the API">
    Browse the full [API Reference](/api-reference/overview) for all available endpoints.
  </Step>
</Steps>