OAuth vs API keys for connecting AI tools
Connection setup is an access decision. Before choosing OAuth or an API key, identify whose data the tool should reach and which operations it should be able to perform.
Match the credential to the caller
OAuth gives a client a delegated sign-in and consent flow. An API key can fit server-to-server jobs or clients that lack browser OAuth, but it still needs explicit scopes and revocation handling. Avoid reusing a broad personal credential for every automated task. A workspace service account and a person-backed key have different ownership semantics.
- 1Name the resource owner and required operationsName the resource owner and required operations.
- 2Select the narrowest scopes that support those…Select the narrowest scopes that support those operations.
- 3Test expiry or revocation and document the…Test expiry or revocation and document the recovery path.
Try it on a small example
- Name the resource owner and required operations.
- Select the narrowest scopes that support those operations.
- Test expiry or revocation and document the recovery path.
What to verify
Never infer successful authorization from a completed login screen alone. Make a read request for the intended resource and verify the visible tool set. Baleybots' MCP documentation prefers browser OAuth and also describes API-key access for compatible clients. Its public API distinguishes personal and workspace service keys. Store credentials outside prompts and logs, and avoid treating one connection's authority as permission to access another account.
Product details checked against the MCP reference on October 4, 2026. These guides describe documented behavior; availability depends on your account and the deployed service. Baleybots is in invite-only beta.