# Getting Started

## Docs

- [Connection Credits](https://docs.makini.io/connection-credits-1962580m0.md): Makini uses a credit-based system to manage connections. Each connection to a third-party platform consumes credits from your account based on the platform's tier.
- [IP Whitelisting](https://docs.makini.io/ip-whitelisting-1962587m0.md): Makini needs network access to connected systems in order to sync data. If the target system is behind a firewall or restricts inbound traffic to specific IP addresses, Makini's IPs must be whitelisted.
- [Authentication](https://docs.makini.io/authentication-1962577m0.md): All requests to the Makini Unified API are authenticated using a **Bearer token** passed in the `Authorization` header. Each token is scoped to a single connection and grants access only to data from that connected system.
- [Testing with API Tools](https://docs.makini.io/testing-with-api-tools-2053156m0.md): Before building a full integration, it is useful to explore the Makini API interactively. This guide walks through importing the Makini OpenAPI spec into Postman and making your first authenticated requests.
- [Account setup](https://docs.makini.io/account-setup.md): This guide walks you through creating your Makini account, activating your trial, and connecting your first integration.