# Getting started with Email API

Cakemail's Email API enables you to seamlessly integrate email functionality into your applications. Whether you prefer RESTful HTTP endpoints or standard SMTP, we provide both methods with industry-leading deliverability.

## Why Use Cakemail's Email API?

- **Industry-leading deliverability**: Benefit from managed deliverability and expert guidance
- **Developer-friendly**: Clear documentation and easy integration
- **Scalable infrastructure**: Multi-tenant support that grows with your needs
- **Real-time analytics**: Track delivery performance and engagement
- **Canadian data storage**: Your data stays in Canada

## Choosing Your Integration Method

Cakemail Email API offers two integration methods to fit your development workflow:

### REST API

Direct HTTP calls for maximum control and flexibility.

**Best for:**
- Applications that need programmatic control
- Custom integrations requiring full API features
- Modern web applications and microservices
- Systems requiring detailed delivery status tracking

**Get started**: [Sending Emails via REST API](/guides/sending-emails-rest-api)

### SMTP

Standard email protocol that works with existing SMTP clients.

**Best for:**
- Legacy applications already using SMTP
- Quick migrations from other email providers
- Applications with established SMTP libraries
- Minimal code changes to existing systems

**Get started**: [Sending Emails via SMTP](/guides/sending-emails-smtp)

## Prerequisites

Before sending emails with either method, you'll need:

1. **Active Email API Subscription**
   - Valid Email API account with an active subscription
   - Learn more: [Email API pricing and subscriptions](https://www.cakemail.com/solutions/email-api)

2. **Cakemail Account**
   - Username and password for authentication
   - Sign up at [cakemail.com](https://www.cakemail.com)

3. **Verified Sender Email Address**
   - Register your sender email in your Cakemail account
   - Complete email verification process
   - Authenticate your domain with SPF/DKIM records
   - Brand your tracking domain on your proper domain

4. **List ID**
   - Required for contact management and compliance
   - Find your default list ID or create a new list
   - Used for bounce handling and unsubscribes

Learn more: [Authenticating Domains](/docs/senders/authenticating-domains)

## Pricing

Cakemail offers transparent, scalable pricing:

- **35,000 free monthly email credits** to get started
- **$50/month** for the first 100,000 emails
- Volume pricing decreases as you scale

[Learn more about Email API pricing](https://www.cakemail.com/solutions/email-api)

## Next Steps

Choose your integration method to continue:

- **REST API**: [Sending Emails via REST API](/guides/sending-emails-rest-api)
- **SMTP**: [Sending Emails via SMTP](/guides/sending-emails-smtp)
- **Quick Reference**: [Email API Reference](/guides/email-api-reference)

## Support

For issues or questions:

- Review the [Cakemail Email API documentation](https://docs.cakemail.com/en/api/email-api)
- Explore the [Email API product page](https://www.cakemail.com/solutions/email-api)
- Contact Cakemail support at [support@cakemail.com](mailto:support@cakemail.com)
- Check the [Status Page](https://status.cakemail.com/)