Cline API key: use Claude and GPT in Cline with 5abeer

To use Cline with a 5abeer API key, open Cline's settings and choose OpenAI Compatible as the API Provider. Set the Base URL to https://api.5abeer.ai/v1, paste your 5abeer key in API Key, and enter a model id such as claude-sonnet-5.5. Every request is then paid from your 5abeer balance.

What you need for a Cline API key#

• The Cline extension in VS Code.
• A 5abeer API key for the provider of the model you will use. A key works with one provider's models only, so a Claude key runs Claude models (create a key).
• Some balance on your account (how to pay).

A 5abeer subscription key will not work here. Plans are for the supported apps, and Cline is not one of them. To use the models from Cline, create an API key that is paid from your balance.

Which Cline API provider to choose#

Cline's API Provider dropdown has many entries. Two of them work with 5abeer:

• OpenAI Compatible: 5abeer serves the OpenAI Chat Completions format at /v1 for Claude, GPT and Gemini models, and you type the model id yourself. This is the setup we recommend.
• Anthropic: it has a Use custom base URL option, so a Claude key can point it at https://api.5abeer.ai. Cline picks the model from its own list, though, so check that the id matches ours first.

Whichever you choose, the key must match the model's provider.

Set up your Cline API key step by step#

1. 1

   Create a 5abeer API key#

   In the dashboard, open API → Keys, choose New key and pick the provider. For the example below, pick Claude. Copy the key when it appears.

2. 2

   Open Cline settings#

   Click the gear icon in the Cline panel to open its settings. In API Provider, choose OpenAI Compatible.

3. 3

   Fill in the fields#

   • Base URL: https://api.5abeer.ai/v1
   • API Key: your 5abeer key.
   • Model: the model id, for example claude-sonnet-5.5. Type it exactly as it appears on the models list. If Cline offers a list, check the id against the models list before you pick it.
   • Use Azure Identity Authentication: leave it unticked. It is for Azure, not for 5abeer.
4. 4

   Fill in the model configuration#

   Cline's model configuration asks for values such as max output tokens, context window size, image support and the input and output price. Take them from the model's page, for example claude-sonnet-5.5, instead of guessing. The price fields only feed Cline's own cost display; what you actually pay is charged to your 5abeer balance.

5. 5

   Send a test task#

   Ask Cline something small in Plan mode, such as explaining one file. If a reply comes back, the setup works.

Cline API key for Claude: the Anthropic provider#

With a Claude key you can also choose Anthropic in API Provider. Paste the key in Anthropic API Key, tick Use custom base URL and enter https://api.5abeer.ai, without /v1. Then pick a model in Model.

Cline fills that model list itself. Compare the chosen id with the models list. If the Claude model you want is missing or spelled differently, go back to OpenAI Compatible, where you type the id yourself.

Which model is best for Cline#

Start with claude-sonnet-5.5 for everyday coding. Move to claude-opus-5.5 for long, hard tasks where the extra cost pays off. These are the current Claude models:

The official price next to ours, with the date it was read:

GPT and Gemini models need a key for their own provider. These are the current chat models of each:

Plan and Act mode with different models#

In Plan mode, Cline reads your code, runs searches and discusses the approach, but it does not change files or run commands. In Act mode, it keeps the context from the plan and edits files and runs commands.

To give each mode its own model, open Cline Settings and turn on Use different models for Plan and Act. One option with a single Claude key is claude-sonnet-5.5 for Act, which does the edits, and claude-opus-5.5 for Plan when you want a more careful plan. Both models come from the key's provider, so one key covers both modes.

Claude and GPT in Cline: one key per provider#

Each 5abeer key works with one provider's models. If you call a GPT model with a Claude key, the request returns MODEL_PLATFORM_NOT_ALLOWED.

To switch Cline to GPT, create a second key for GPT and change two fields together in the OpenAI Compatible provider:

• API Key: your GPT key.
• Model: YOUR_GPT_MODEL_ID. Copy the id from the models list.

The Base URL stays the same, and both keys draw on the same balance. The same pattern works for Gemini with YOUR_GEMINI_MODEL_ID.

A cheap API for Cline: keep costs under control#

Each request is paid from your balance by the tokens it uses, at the model's 5abeer price (pricing and balance). The price block above shows that price next to the official one. An agent like Cline can send many requests in one task, in both Plan and Act mode, so set limits on the key itself.

You can control every key: a spend limit, an expiry date and an IP allow-list (key controls). A separate key for Cline also keeps its usage apart from your other tools in the dashboard.

Common errors and fixes#

• INVALID_API_KEY or a 401: the key is wrong or was revoked. Paste it again in the API Key field.
• MODEL_PLATFORM_NOT_ALLOWED: the model belongs to another provider than the key. Use the matching key for that model.
• Wrong base URL: OpenAI Compatible needs https://api.5abeer.ai/v1, with /v1. The Anthropic custom base URL is https://api.5abeer.ai, without /v1.
• Model not found: the model id has a typo or a different spelling. Copy it from the models list.
• INSUFFICIENT_BALANCE: your balance doesn't cover the request. Top up and retry.

Every code and what it means is in Errors and fixes.

Questions#

Can I use my 5abeer subscription in Cline?#

No. Plans run only the supported apps, and Cline is not one of them. Create an API key and pay for Cline usage from your balance.

What is the Cline API key for Claude?#

A 5abeer API key created for the Claude provider. Use it with OpenAI Compatible and Base URL https://api.5abeer.ai/v1, or with the Anthropic provider and the custom base URL https://api.5abeer.ai.

Can Plan and Act use different models?#

Yes. Turn on Use different models for Plan and Act in Cline Settings and pick a model for each mode. Both must belong to the provider of the key you use.

Why do I need two keys for Claude and GPT?#

A 5abeer key works with one provider's models only. Create one key per provider and switch the key with the model. Both keys use the same balance.

Which model is best for Cline?#

For most coding work, start with claude-sonnet-5.5. Use claude-opus-5.5 for long, hard tasks or for Plan mode. Check each model's page for its context window and price.

What do I put in the context window and max output fields?#

The values on the model's page. Open it from the models list and copy them, so Cline doesn't cut off long tasks or ask for more than the model allows.

Sources#

Checked on 2026-11-01:

• Cline docs: OpenAI Compatible, Anthropic and Plan & Act Mode
• Cline docs source on GitHub: cline/cline
• 5abeer docs: API keys, Base URLs and Errors and fixes