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

# Cline provider

> Use the Cline provider for the fastest setup with built-in authentication and unified billing.

The **Cline provider** is the simplest way to get started with Cline.

Instead of managing separate API keys across multiple vendors, you sign in once and select from available models directly in Cline.

## Why use Cline provider

* **Fastest setup**: no manual API key copy/paste
* **One account**: sign in once with Google, GitHub, or email
* **Unified billing**: one balance across supported models
* **Free options**: look for models tagged **FREE** in the selector

## Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Cline Settings">
    Click the settings icon in the Cline panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Provider">
    Set **API Provider** to **Cline**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign In">
    Click **Sign In** and complete authentication in your browser.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a Model">
    Choose a model from the **Model** dropdown.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Send a test message. If Cline responds, setup is complete.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Credits and usage

* Add credits from your [Cline dashboard](https://app.cline.bot/dashboard)
* View usage in Cline Settings → **View Usage**
* Switch organizations in Cline Settings → **Switch Organization**

## Related

* [Authorization](/getting-started/authorizing-with-cline)
* [Local models](/running-models-locally/overview)
* [Provider setup guides](/provider-config/openrouter)