---
updatedAt: 2026-06-30T08:26:18.000Z
agentTools:
  projectIndex: https://docs.youlend.com/llms.txt
---

# Introduction to APIs

Get started with YouLend's embedded finance APIs. Learn about authentication, environments, integration options, and common use cases to unlock new revenue streams with cash advances and instant settlement solutions.

YouLend’s API platform empowers partners to embed merchant financing on their own terms. Craft tailored solutions, own the customer experience end-to-end, and deliver fast, reliable funding through YouLend’s proven platform.

## Getting Started

<Callout icon="📘" theme="info">
  **New to embedded finance?** Check out our [Terminology Guide](terminology) to understand the key concepts and definitions used throughout our platform and documentation.
</Callout>

## Quick Start Options

Choose your integration approach based on your development resources and desired user experience:

<Cards columns={3}>
  <Card title="Embedded Components" href="https://docs.youlend.com/docs/embedded-components" icon="fa-puzzle-piece">
    Ready-to-use UI components that seamlessly integrate into your existing platform with minimal development effort.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Partner Hosted" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/partner-hosted-application#/" icon="fa-up-right-from-square">
    Users complete applications on your platform, then redirect to YouLend for offer review and contract signing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fully Embedded" href="https://docs.youlend.com/docs/fully-embedded#/" icon="fa-layer-group">
    Complete white-label experience where users never leave your platform throughout the entire funding journey.
  </Card>
</Cards>

## Core API Endpoints

Our comprehensive API suite covers every aspect of the embedded finance journey:

<Cards columns={2}>
  <Card title="Prequalification" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/prequal-v1#/" icon="fa-magnifying-glass-dollar">
    **Quick eligibility checks** - Assess merchant eligibility and get preliminary loan offers with minimal data requirements.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Preapproval" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/introduction-to-preapproval#/" icon="fa-thumbs-up">
    **Generate pre-approved offers** - Create binding loan offers with detailed payment data for qualified merchants.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Onboarding" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/onboarding-intro#/" icon="fa-user-plus">
    **Complete application process** - Submit and manage funding applications with KYC documents and merchant verification.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fast Track" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/fast-trackonboarding-intro#/" icon="fa-rocket">
    **Streamlined funding** - Expedited approval process for merchants with pre-established relationships and verified data.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Third Party Loan" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/loansv2-intro#/" icon="fa-file-contract">
    **Loan management** - Access loan information, repayment details, documents, and status updates for funded merchants.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Instant Settlement" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/instantsettlement-introduction#/" icon="fa-bolt">
    **Real-time transactions** - Handle instant settlement transactions and manage accelerated payout services.
  </Card>
</Cards>

## Authentication & Environments

All API requests require authentication using API keys. For complete setup instructions and environment details, see our [Authentication Guide](https://docs.youlend.com/reference/authentication).

## Development Resources

<Cards>
  <Card title="Postman Collection" href="https://docs.youlend.com/update/reference/postman#/" icon="fa-circle-play">
    Complete API collection for testing endpoints and understanding request/response formats.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Webhooks Guide" href="https://docs.youlend.com/reference/webhooks-intro#/" icon="fa-tower-broadcast">
    Set up real-time notifications for application status updates, funding events, and settlements.
  </Card>
</Cards>

## Next Steps

Ready to get started? Here's your roadmap:

1. **Review the [Guide](https://docs.youlend.com/docs/general-partnering)** to understand YouLend's products and integration options
2. **Set up authentication** using our [Authentication Guide](https://docs.youlend.com/reference/authentication)
3. **Choose your integration approach** based on your technical requirements
4. **Make your first API call** using our interactive documentation
5. **Test the complete flow** from application to funding in sandbox
6. **Go live** with production credentials and real transactions