How to Get Trello API Keys and Tokens Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Connecting a custom script, webhook, or backend integration to Trello starts with generating an API key and an authorized token from the Atlassian Developer portal. It's a quick process once you know where the credentials panel is hidden. This guide walks through logging in, generating your key, requesting a token, and storing both securely for use in your project.
01Log in and open the developer portal
Sign in to your Trello account, then navigate to the Atlassian Developer portal and accept the developer terms to proceed.
02Generate your API key
Click the button to generate a new API key suite, then copy the long string that appears so you can use it in your integration.
03Request an authorized token
Find the manual token generation link near your API key field, open it, and review the requested app permissions before continuing.
04Authorize and copy your token
Adjust the scope of access if needed, click Allow, then copy the generated secret token and save it somewhere secure.
05Test and store your credentials
Add your API key and token to your project's environment variables, then run a quick test call to confirm the connection is pulling data correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Trello API key free to generate?
Yes, generating a Trello API key and token through the Atlassian Developer portal is free.
Can I set an expiration on my token?
Yes, when generating a token you can typically choose between a short expiration window or a longer-lived option depending on your permission needs.
What permissions does my token need?
It depends on your integration — read-only access is enough for pulling board data, while read and write access is needed if your script will create or update cards.
How do I revoke a token I no longer need?
You can revoke active tokens from your account's developer dashboard, which immediately cuts off that credential's access.
Why should I store keys in environment variables instead of my code?
Keeping credentials in environment variables rather than hardcoding them helps prevent your secret strings from being exposed if you share or publish your code.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.



