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The Benchmark Email API lets you manage contacts, campaigns, reports, and domains programmatically. Use it to build custom integrations, automate workflows with tools like Zapier or n8n, or sync data between Benchmark Email and your other systems.

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Quick start

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1. Create an API key

  1. Log in to Benchmark Email as an account owner.
  2. Go to Settings > API Keys.
  3. Click Create API Key.
  4. Give it a name (e.g., “My Integration”) and select the permissions you need.
  5. Copy the key immediately — it will only be shown once.

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2. Copy your base URL

Your base URL depends on the region and cluster your account is provisioned in. It looks like this: https://api-{region}-{cluster}.benchmarkemail.io For example: https://api-us-west-2-a.benchmarkemail.io Find your base URL in Account Settings > API Keys and use it wherever you see <your-api-base-url> in the examples on this site.

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3. Make your first request

Copy your API base URL from Account Settings > API Keys and use it in place of <your-api-base-url>: 
curl -H "X-API-Key: bme_your-api-key-here" \
  "<your-api-base-url>/api/contact-structure"
You should receive a JSON response with your contact structure, including your custom field definitions. If you get a 401 or 403 error, see the errors guide for troubleshooting.

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API reference

DocumentDescription
AuthenticationHow to authenticate requests, scopes, and account requirements
Rate LimitsHourly rate limits, monthly quotas, and response headers
ErrorsError response format, status codes, and common error scenarios
API ReferenceBrowse the full OpenAPI specification

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Available resources

ResourceScopesWhat You Can Do
Contactscontacts:read, contacts:writeCreate, read, update, delete contacts; manage lists; update custom fields; search and export contacts
Campaignscampaigns:read, campaigns:writeCreate, read, update, delete, and duplicate email campaigns; browse templates
Reportsreports:readView dashboard summaries and email performance reports
Domainsdomains:readView email sending domains

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Scenario guides

For step-by-step walkthroughs of common workflows, see the scenario guides.

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Building with an AI assistant?

If you’re using an AI coding assistant, give it these resources before you start:
  • llms.txt: sitemap-style index of every documentation page
  • llms-full.txt: full text of every documentation page in one file
  • SKILL.md: agent-specific playbook with endpoints, decision guidance, and common pitfalls
Here’s a prompt you can give your AI assistant: 
You're helping me integrate with the Benchmark Email API. Before writing any code, read https://developers.benchmarkemail.io/.well-known/skills/benchmarkinternetgroup/SKILL.md for the most useful starting context. Then read the relevant scenario guide at https://developers.benchmarkemail.io/scenarios/[scenario-name].

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Need more help?

Visit the Benchmark Email Help Center for guides, FAQs, and live chat support.