# Getting Started

### 🚀 Getting Started

Welcome to ArkPay — a crypto-to-fiat payment gateway that lets your users pay in crypto while you receive fiat directly.

This guide helps you get started in just a few minutes.

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#### 🔐 Step 1: Sign Up as a Merchant

1. Go to <https://arkpay.io>.
2. Click **Sign Up** and complete the registration form.
3. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email.

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#### 📧 Step 2: Check Your Email for API Key

Once your signup is complete:

* An **API key** will be automatically generated for your account.
* It will be sent to the **email address you used during registration**.

> 🔑 **Important:** Keep this API key secure. It will be used to authenticate your API requests.

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Step 3: Now you're ready to make your first API call