Source: https://docs.debitura.com/clients/getting-started

# Getting Started

Setup and prerequisites for integrating with the Customer API.

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## What the Customer API does

The Customer API (also called the Creditor API) lets you submit debt collection cases to Debitura's network of pre-legal collection agencies and track their progress. Typical uses:

-   Submit collection cases
-   Preview eligibility and pricing before submission
-   Track case status and timelines
-   Receive real-time payment and status events via webhooks
-   Manage contracts and creditor divisions

**Building a platform?** If you're building a SaaS product that wants to offer Debitura's services to your own customers, you need the [Referral Partner API](https://docs.debitura.com/referral-partners.md) instead. Contact [partnerships@debitura.com](mailto:partnerships@debitura.com) to discuss your use case.

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## In This Section

-   [Authentication](https://docs.debitura.com/clients/getting-started/authentication.md) — API key setup and usage
-   [Quickstart](https://docs.debitura.com/clients/getting-started/quickstart-create-first-case.md) — Create your first case in 2 minutes (includes video walkthrough)

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## Prerequisites

Before integrating:

1.  Sign up at [app.debitura.com](https://app.debitura.com/)
2.  Generate an API key in [Creditor Portal → API Keys](https://app.debitura.com/CreditorApiKey)
3.  Review [Environments](https://docs.debitura.com/developer-concepts/environments.md) for base URLs

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## Next Steps

Once authenticated, follow the [Integration Guides](https://docs.debitura.com/clients/integration-guides.md) to build your workflows.