Bring your own DataForSEO key
Connect your own DataForSEO account so data calls bill to it instead of using Ranktide credits.
Ranktide gets its keyword, ranking, backlink, maps and AI answer data from DataForSEO. If you have a DataForSEO account, you can connect it to Ranktide. Those data calls then bill to your DataForSEO account and use no Ranktide credits.
Who can use it
Your own DataForSEO key works on the Agency and Scale plans, and on every AppSumo license tier. The key applies to your whole organisation, in every project.
What changes
| Usage | With your own key | Without it |
|---|---|---|
| DataForSEO calls: keywords, rankings, backlinks, maps, AI answers | Billed to your DataForSEO account | Ranktide credits |
| AI model calls, like prompt research and prompt suggestions | Ranktide credits | Ranktide credits |
| JavaScript rendering in site audits | Ranktide credits | Ranktide credits |
| Plan limits: projects, seats, tracked keywords | Your plan's limits | Your plan's limits |
DataForSEO charges its own prices, with no Ranktide markup. Your plan's limits still apply.
Get your DataForSEO API credentials
- Create an account at dataforseo.com and add funds. DataForSEO is prepaid.
- In the DataForSEO dashboard, open API Access.
- Request your API credentials. DataForSEO emails you an API login and an API password.
The API password is different from the password you use to sign in to the DataForSEO dashboard. Ranktide needs the API password.
Connect your key
- In Ranktide, open the DataForSEO key setting for your organisation.
- Enter your API login and API password.
- Save.
From then on, DataForSEO calls made for your organisation use your account.
How Ranktide stores your key
Ranktide encrypts your API password at rest. After you save it, the app shows it masked and never displays it in full again. Ranktide uses the key only for calls made for your organisation.
Remove your key
Remove the key from the same setting. DataForSEO calls go back to using Ranktide credits straight away. Data you already collected stays in your projects.
To replace the key, remove it and connect the new credentials.
Troubleshooting
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Invalid credentials | Use the API login and API password from DataForSEO's API Access page, not your dashboard password. Check for spaces before or after what you pasted. |
| Your DataForSEO balance is empty | DataForSEO refuses calls until you add funds. Top up in your DataForSEO dashboard, then run the search or check again. |
| Credits still go down | AI model calls and JavaScript rendering always use Ranktide credits. Check the Usage tab in Billing to see which feature spent them. |
If you're still stuck, email support@ranktide.io. Never send your API password.
Something missing or wrong on this page? Email support@ranktide.io.