Claude API key stopped working when someone left? Personal vs service account keys
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Source checked 4 Nov 2026 · Published 4 Nov 2026 · Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)
The short answer
Since November 2, 2026, you can create personal keys and service account keys in the Claude Console. Claude's Authentication docs: when that identity is removed from the organization, the key stops working. A shared personal key acts as one person and breaks when they leave. For shared or automated workloads (CI, production services), have an organization admin create a service account so the workload has its own identity.
What to do
- Use a personal key for your own development and scripts.
- For your app in production, ask an organization admin to create a service account, then create a key with the service account as the linked account.
- In the Claude Console, keys are created on the API keys page: name the key, choose an expiration and set Linked account.
Good to know
- Workspace API keys still work but should be considered legacy.
- Personal keys and service account keys have the same permissions as the account they belong to.
Source
Checked on 4 Nov 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.