# Getting started

This guide shows how to start creating or retrieving your Channel Senders or Channel resources.

To start, complete these basic configuration steps:

## 1. Sign up

Sign up for an account on the Sinch Build Dashboard: Before you can use the Provisioning API, you need to [sign up for a free Sinch account](https://dashboard.sinch.com/signup). This is a quick process where you submit some basic details, including a mobile number you can use for testing.

Need help?
Click [here](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Account-Management/How-to-create-your-free-Sinch-account/ta-p/8058) to learn how to sign up.

## 2. Get access

Get access and create your access key: Once you have created an account and logged in, select [Conversation API](https://dashboard.sinch.com/convapi/overview) from the left menu. Review the terms and conditions, select the I agree to the terms and conditions check box, and click GET ACCESS to proceed. Then, you must create your access key. Access keys are used to authenticate calls when using Conversation API. Access keys are generated in the [Sinch Build Dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/settings/access-keys).

Need help?
Click [here](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Conversation-API/How-to-get-your-access-key-for-Conversation-API/ta-p/8120) to learn how to configure an access key.

### 2.1 Prepaid customers

Prepaid customers need to [contact our online team](mailto:onlineteam@sinch.com) for access, in addition to following the instructions above.

## Next steps

Now you're ready to get started using the Provisioning API. These guides will walk you through provisioning credentials for the following platforms:

WhatsApp
RCS
KakaoTalk
Bundles