The xAI Grok 3 model has garnered significant attention, with its powerful performance attracting developers worldwide. In February 2025, xAI announced a major benefit: users can receive a monthly API credit of $150 simply by agreeing to share data, which is sufficient to meet the daily usage needs of individual developers or small teams. This is undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity for domestic users, but due to payment and network environment limitations, there may be some obstacles during the application process. Don't worry, this article will detail how domestic users can easily claim xAI's API credits through simple steps and recommend a payment tool designed specifically for domestic users—WildCard, to help you complete the application effortlessly.
Recommended xAI Virtual Card: https://leixue.com/go/yeka
Why Choose xAI's API?#
The xAI Grok 3 model not only excels in natural language processing but also supports multimodal tasks such as image analysis and complex reasoning. Compared to other AI models, Grok 3's API offers greater flexibility and stability, making it ideal for developers to build applications, test prototypes, or conduct research. The $150 free credit can almost cover the needs of most individual users, and the condition of sharing data is relatively easy for most developers to accept. The key is that domestic users need to solve payment binding and network access issues, which is where WildCard comes into play.
Steps for Domestic Users to Apply for xAI API Credits#
Here is a tailored application tutorial for domestic users, covering the entire process from account registration to payment binding:
1. Register for an xAI Account#
First, visit the xAI official website (https://x.ai/api) and click the registration button. Fill in basic information such as email and password to create an account. Domestic users may need to use a VPN to ensure smooth access. After registration, log in to the xAI developer console, find the "API Credits" or "Billing" page, and check the entry for applying for free credits.
2. Apply for $150 Free Credit#
In the xAI developer console, there is usually a dedicated page for applying for free credits. Click the apply button, and the system will prompt you to read and agree to the data sharing terms. After confirmation, the credits will typically be credited within a few minutes. If you encounter slow page loading or access issues, it is advisable to check your network environment or switch nodes.
3. Bind Payment Method#
Although the free credits do not require immediate payment, xAI requires binding a valid international payment method to verify identity. Common domestic UnionPay cards often cannot be used directly, while virtual credit cards like WildCard become an ideal choice. WildCard supports recharging via Alipay or WeChat, eliminating the cumbersome USDT purchase process, making it simple and stable.
4. Configure WildCard Virtual Card#
Visit the WildCard official website, and use the invitation code "LEIXUE" to enjoy card opening discounts. The registration process only requires a phone number and verification code, which can be completed in 1 minute. After logging in, choose the card duration (1 year for $11.99 or 2 years for $16.99), and recharge $25 via Alipay or WeChat (to cover a possible $5 pre-authorization fee and subsequent subscription fees). Then, enter the virtual card number, expiration date, and CVV code provided by WildCard on the xAI payment page to complete the binding.
5. Start Using the API#
Once the payment binding is successful, xAI will assign an API key. Integrate the key into your code or development environment to start calling the Grok 3 API. The xAI official website provides detailed API documentation, and beginners are advised to start with simple text generation tasks and gradually explore more complex features.
Why Recommend WildCard?#
Compared to other virtual cards (such as Dupay, VCard, PokePay, WasabiCard, LocalCard), WildCard has the following advantages:
- Convenient Recharge: Supports Alipay and WeChat, with a low recharge threshold starting at $5, much simpler than USDT recharge.
- High Stability: WildCard's payment channels are optimized to effectively avoid risks in the xAI payment system.
- Wide Applicability: In addition to xAI API, WildCard also supports subscriptions for overseas services like ChatGPT Plus, Claude, Midjourney, etc.
- Promotional Activities: Using the invitation code "LEIXUE" can enjoy a $1 card opening discount, offering great value.
In contrast, options like Dupay or VCard require cryptocurrency recharge, which is not only complicated but may also increase costs due to price fluctuations. The emergence of WildCard greatly lowers the payment threshold for domestic users, allowing everyone to easily enjoy the convenience of overseas AI services.
Notes#
- Network Environment: The xAI official website may load slowly due to regional restrictions; it is recommended to use a stable proxy node to avoid payment failures caused by multiple users sharing the same IP.
- Recharge Amount: It is recommended to recharge $25 for the first time to cover possible pre-authorization fees from xAI.
- Real-name Authentication: WildCard does not require KYC verification, but if a higher limit (up to $3,000 per month) is needed, Alipay facial verification can be chosen.
- Credit Usage: The $150 API credit refreshes monthly and must be used within the validity period; it does not accumulate after expiration.
Summary#
The $150 free API credit from xAI provides domestic developers with an excellent opportunity to explore Grok 3, while WildCard solves the payment and subscription issues. Through a simple registration, recharge, and binding process, you can quickly get started with xAI's powerful API. Whether developing innovative applications or conducting AI research, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Hurry to visit the WildCard official website and use the invitation code "LEIXUE" to start your xAI journey!