URGENT: Pro Account API Key Invalid – Chat/Completions Blocked, Requesting Escalation or Cancellation

API Bugs
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1

Hi OpenAI Support,

I am writing to escalate a critical access issue with my OpenAI Pro account, which has left me completely blocked from using the API for my actual work — and I am now strongly considering deleting my Pro account as a result.

:red_exclamation_mark: Here’s the situation:

  • I upgraded to ChatGPT Pro specifically because it was promoted as offering a better coding experience and enhanced technical capabilities.
  • After upgrading, I discovered that I can no longer use the API to access chat/completions, even though that’s exactly what I use to run my automated tools.
  • I was issued only sk-proj-... scoped API keys, which consistently return a 401 Invalid API Key error, even after:
    • Creating new projects and keys from scratch
    • Verifying billing is active
    • Using official SDKs (openai@beta)
    • Running test scripts and live production systems that previously worked flawlessly with sk-... keys

:fire: This directly affects my livelihood

I build and operate tools that rely on OpenAI’s chat endpoint. It worked perfectly last week using a classic key. After upgrading to Pro and being forcibly moved to a project-based system, I was immediately locked out.

I cannot estimate ROI. I cannot complete listing automation. I cannot serve my customers.

:brick: There is no workaround for this:

  • There is no UI to enable chat/completions
  • There is no documented process to fix provisioning
  • There is no way to generate a classic key
  • OpenAI support responses have only confirmed that once you’re on a sk-proj-... path, you’re stuck without chat access unless it’s enabled manually — which I cannot do.

:megaphone: What I need:

You must either:

  • :white_check_mark: Enable chat/completions access on my current project and ensure my sk-proj-... key works like my old one did
  • :cross_mark: Or cancel my Pro subscription and provide a full explanation why I was misled into paying for something that immediately blocked my development work

I bought Pro based on marketing and messaging that promised better tools — and I received less access, no solutions, and a complete disruption to my income.

If a backend engineer needs project ID, request headers, or test logs, I can provide them instantly. I need this resolved today, or I will cancel the subscription and stop developing on your platform.

Sincerely,
Cole Larson

4

API and ChatGPT are separate products. You still need to deposit funds in your developer account regardless of your ChatGPT subscription.

5

From what I understand the issue is that the existing API based apps did suddenly break after upgrading the ChatGPT account to pro.

You should contact help.openai.com for account related problems in any case.