Use VS Code with a cheap API: Roo Code and Continue via OpenAI Compatible

VS Code does not call APIs directly — you install an AI extension such as Roo Code or Continue and point it at the Cho Tai Khoan gateway. One key works across 26 models (Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek…), paying a fixed package from $0.72 (≈ 19.000đ).

Step 1 — Get a key first

1. Go to the API gateway home page, pick a package and pay (USDT, VietQR or MoMo) — the system issues a redeem code automatically.
2. Redeem the code right on the page and receive a key starting with sk-ctk-.

Step 2 — Option A: Roo Code

1. In VS Code, open Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for Roo Code and install it.
2. Open Roo Code, click the gear icon (Settings) → Providers.
3. In API Provider, choose OpenAI Compatible.
4. Fill in 3 fields:
   • Base URL: https://api.chotaikhoan.com/v1
   • API Key: your sk-ctk-... key
   • Model ID: the name of the model you want — for example claude-sonnet-5 or gpt-5.5 (copy the exact name from the Models & pricing section on the home page)
5. Save, then open the Roo Code chat to try it.

Step 2 — Option B: Continue

1. Install the Continue extension in VS Code (press Ctrl + Shift + X to open Extensions, search for Continue, press Install).
2. Open the Continue configuration file: the config.yaml file in the .continue folder in your user folder — on Windows that is C:\Users\<your name>\.continue\config.yaml, on macOS/Linux it is ~/.continue/config.yaml. If the folder or file does not exist yet, create it (you can open it with VS Code or Notepad). Add a model like the block below:

If you have already checked your key on the home page in the same browser, the key in the box below is already filled in for you — just copy it as-is, no manual editing.

models:
  - name: Claude via Cho Tai Khoan
    provider: openai
    model: claude-sonnet-5
    apiBase: https://api.chotaikhoan.com/v1
    apiKey: KEY_CUA_BAN

3. Save the file and select the model you just added in the Continue chat panel.

Step 3 — Check

Test in chat with: "Reply with exactly one word: running". If the extension answers "running", you are running through the gateway. To change models, just change the model name — the key stays the same.

Common errors

• Model not found: the model name is typed wrong — copy the exact name from the Models & pricing page again.
• Invalid key error: a missing character or an extra space when copying — copy the key again, never type it by hand.
• Out of quota: redeem another code — the quota stacks onto your old key, validity follows the new package.
• System busy: a temporary error, and that request was not charged. Wait a few minutes and try again.