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

# Payments API Reference

> Understand general API concepts and authentication strategies.

## Overview

ZBD offers a powerful REST API that supports Bitcoin Lightning Network transactions with various payout and payin methods. Our API uses JSON data structures and makes use of industry standard HTTP response codes.

## Base URL

The ZBD API is available on the following base URL:

```bash theme={null}
https://api.zbdpay.com
```

<Note>If you're looking for the Sandbox API, that's available at `https://sandbox-api.zbdpay.com`.</Note>

## Authentication

All ZBD endpoints are protected by an API Key. To make requests against these endpoints you must pass a header property called `apikey` with your [ZBD Project API Key](/get-started/api-keys).

```json theme={null}
apikey: "1PnXYRdcm13gJrHZVzctgCAUIEniVomQR"
```

## SSL / HTTPS Access

**ZBD only provides a secure interface over HTTPS with SSL certificate support**. Any requests that attempt to reach the ZBD API in an insecure fashion (plain-text over HTTP requests) will be rejected.

<Note>Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. SSL allows sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials to be transmitted securely.</Note>

## Resources

Links to help you get the most out of your ZBD development experience:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="See our GitHub Examples" icon="github" href="/payments/templates" />

  <Card title="View our OpenAPI specification" icon="code" href="/payments/api/resources/openapi" />
</CardGroup>