Error Using OpenAI API Key for GPT Models: Troubleshooting Needed

Kasia W. · 2025-11-19T21:59:36.159Z

I'm getting an error when trying to use our own API key for OpenAI. They key used to work without any issues. Our admin confirmed that the key is valid for the GPT 4o Mini model. He also just added a key for the GPT 4.1 Mini model, and I'm getting the same error for that model as well.

Error Using OpenAI API Key for GPT Models: Troubleshooting Needed | Clay

10 comments

· Sorted by Oldest

Clay Support
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The error indicates your OpenAI project doesn't have access to the GPT-4o model, which is likely a tier limitation issue.
For ChatGPT Generate Text columns, you need any paid tier with GPT-4 access, but your account may need upgrading. [1] Check your OpenAI API usage tier at OpenAI API Usage Limits.
To resolve this, upgrade your OpenAI account to Tier 2 or higher. Visit OpenAI Usage Tiers for more information. You can also contact OpenAI support directly for tier upgrade assistance.
Clay Support
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Did that answer your question?
Clay Support
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If you still need help resolving the access issue with your OpenAI API key, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to achieve or any other errors you’re encountering?
Kasia W.
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This does not resolve the issue. We have usage tier 5.
Clay Support
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Sorry to hear that didn’t help. I’ll connect you with a human agent who can assist further.
Clay Support
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Our support team has got your message and we'll get back to you soon!
If you’re dealing with a specific table, drop the URL below so we can help you quicker. Otherwise, someone from our team will be in touch soon!
image.png(93 kB)
Kasia W.
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I'm not dealing with a specific table—the same error messages shows across multiple tables I checked. But here is an example: https://app.clay.com/workspaces/367469/workbooks/wb_0t4uopnPUpmZBJH22c8/tables/t_0t5imbbhwkmH5xeqcTr/views/gv_0t4uopnQkf2BC8iCNdN
Luca P.
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Hi Kasia, thanks for reaching out to support!
Have you tried running the column even if the error shows? We were dealing with a UI issue earlier where it was showing that users personal API keys were invalid, but the column would still run. This might be related. Let me know if it still works.
Kasia W.
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It works: the columns are running (despite the API key error still showing). Thank you.
Bo (.
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Hey, glad to hear it’s running now. Keep us posted if anything changes. Let me know if you have more questions.

Clay Support
APP
·
·
The error indicates your OpenAI project doesn't have access to the GPT-4o model, which is likely a tier limitation issue.
For ChatGPT Generate Text columns, you need any paid tier with GPT-4 access, but your account may need upgrading. [1] Check your OpenAI API usage tier at OpenAI API Usage Limits.
To resolve this, upgrade your OpenAI account to Tier 2 or higher. Visit OpenAI Usage Tiers for more information. You can also contact OpenAI support directly for tier upgrade assistance.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Did that answer your question?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help resolving the access issue with your OpenAI API key, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to achieve or any other errors you’re encountering?
Kasia W.
·
·
This does not resolve the issue. We have usage tier 5.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Sorry to hear that didn’t help. I’ll connect you with a human agent who can assist further.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Our support team has got your message and we'll get back to you soon!
If you’re dealing with a specific table, drop the URL below so we can help you quicker. Otherwise, someone from our team will be in touch soon!
image.png(93 kB)
Kasia W.
·
·
I'm not dealing with a specific table—the same error messages shows across multiple tables I checked. But here is an example: https://app.clay.com/workspaces/367469/workbooks/wb_0t4uopnPUpmZBJH22c8/tables/t_0t5imbbhwkmH5xeqcTr/views/gv_0t4uopnQkf2BC8iCNdN
Luca P.
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·
Hi Kasia, thanks for reaching out to support!
Have you tried running the column even if the error shows? We were dealing with a UI issue earlier where it was showing that users personal API keys were invalid, but the column would still run. This might be related. Let me know if it still works.
Kasia W.
·
·
It works: the columns are running (despite the API key error still showing). Thank you.
Bo (.
·
·
Hey, glad to hear it’s running now. Keep us posted if anything changes. Let me know if you have more questions.