Getting API access to DeepSeek, GLM or Kimi when phone and card verification block signup

Many developers struggle not with the AI models themselves but with registering for them, which can fail at phone verification, identity checks, or card payment declines. These obstacles often occur together, especially for users outside a provider's home market or those holding foreign or prepaid cards. The article suggests trying access routes in order, starting with the provider directly and moving toward cloud hosts, gateways, and self-hosting, rather than defaulting to the costliest option. It recommends checking minimum top-ups, prepaid versus subscription billing, true OpenAI compatibility, refund handling, and balance expiry before paying. It also offers a gateway example in which switching requires only changing the base URL and API key, with one-time credit packs starting at $9.90 and no auto-renewal.