The Problem With API Tokens
Most AI assistants charge you per message. Every question your bot answers, every email it drafts, every task it handles costs tokens. Those tokens come from a prepaid balance that you have to monitor, top up, and budget for.
For a tool that is supposed to save you time, managing API billing adds one more thing to your plate. Usage spikes can lead to surprise charges. Running out of credits means your bot stops working until you add more.
If you already pay for a ChatGPT subscription, you are paying twice for AI: once for ChatGPT and once for your bot's API tokens.
A Better Way: Use the Subscription You Already Have
ChatGPT OAuth lets your ProductiveBot connect directly to your existing ChatGPT subscription. Instead of buying API tokens, your bot uses the same account you already pay a flat monthly fee for.
No more tracking token usage. No surprise bills. No running out of credits. If your ChatGPT subscription is active, your bot works.
This is built on OpenClaw's provider framework and uses OpenAI's official OAuth connector, the same technology behind ChatGPT's Apps, Actions, and Codex integrations. Your credentials are never shared with ProductiveBot or any third party. You log into OpenAI directly.
What You Get Access To
Once connected, your ProductiveBot can use any model included in your ChatGPT plan. The default is GPT-5.4, OpenAI's flagship model.
| Model | Best for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-5.4 | Complex reasoning, writing, coding | 266k tokens |
| GPT-5.4-mini | Faster responses, everyday tasks | 266k tokens |
| GPT-5.4-nano | Quick lookups, simple tasks | 266k tokens |
| Codex | Code generation and debugging | 266k tokens |
API Tokens vs. ChatGPT OAuth
| API Tokens | ChatGPT OAuth | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | Pay per message (usage-based) | Flat monthly fee you already pay |
| Setup | Create account, add payment, generate key | Log in with your ChatGPT account |
| Usage limits | Depends on your balance | Depends on your plan tier |
| Surprise bills | Possible if usage spikes | No, flat rate |
| API key management | Generate, store, rotate keys manually | No keys needed |
Is This Allowed by OpenAI?
Yes. OpenAI provides an official OAuth connector specifically for third-party tools to connect to ChatGPT subscriptions. This is the same technology that powers ChatGPT's Apps, Actions, and Codex integrations.
Your credentials are never shared with ProductiveBot or any third party. You log into OpenAI directly, and OpenAI issues a secure token that allows your bot to make requests on your behalf.
As with any service, we recommend reviewing OpenAI's current Terms of Use for the latest details on permitted usage.
Ready to connect?
Installation and setup instructions are available in the ProductiveBot Skill Store. It takes about five minutes.
View in Skill StoreCommon Questions
Does this cost extra?
Will this use up my ChatGPT messages?
Do I need to keep my API key?
Does the free ChatGPT plan work?
Can I use other models besides GPT-5.4?
What is the context window?
What if my ChatGPT subscription expires?
Can I switch back to my previous AI provider?
Need help? Talk to Scout
Scout is our AI support assistant. It can walk you through setup, troubleshoot issues in real time, and answer any questions about your ProductiveBot.
Chat with ScoutYou can also reply to your setup email or contact us at support@productivebot.ai
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