> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.thundercompute.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Secure your Thunder Compute Console account. Manage user permissions, API keys, and authentication credentials for all yourcompute resources.

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="VS Code" icon="window" href="/vscode/operations/authentication" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card">
    Editor extension
  </Card>

  <Card title="CLI" icon="terminal" href="/cli/operations/authentication" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card">
    Command line
  </Card>

  <Card title="Console" icon="browser" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card platform-current">
    Web interface
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Sign In

Visit [console.thundercompute.com](https://console.thundercompute.com) and sign in with your email or Google account. New users can create an account directly from the sign-in page.

## Managing API Tokens

API tokens authenticate CLI and extension access. You can manage them in the [console](https://console.thundercompute.com/settings/tokens).

* **Generate tokens**: Create new tokens for each device or use case
* **Revoke tokens**: Remove access for specific tokens without affecting others
* **Token persistence**: Tokens never expire unless manually revoked

<Note>
  Use unique tokens for each device so you can revoke access individually if needed.
</Note>

## Adding a Payment Method

Before creating instances, you need a payment method on file. Visit the [billing settings](https://console.thundercompute.com/settings/billing) to add a credit card.