How to run OpenClaw for FREE (Stop paying for API tokens) 🛑
Hey everyone, if you’re actively building and testing with OpenClaw, you've probably noticed how fast API token costs can rack up—especially if an agent gets stuck in a logic loop overnight.
I set these up for clients full-time, and the very first thing we do is secure their testing environment so they aren't bleeding money on API calls. You absolutely do not need to pay per token just to build and test your workflows.
I just recorded a full step-by-step guide showing exactly how to bypass these costs and run premium LLMs for $0.00.
In the video, I walk through:
  1. Nvidia’s Free Models: The exact JSON config changes to swap your primary model to Kimi K2.5 for free.
  2. The OAuth Trick: If you already pay for ChatGPT Plus or Gemini Pro, I show you how to connect your account directly so you stop paying for AI twice.
  3. Open Router Setup: How to route into Open Router to unlock a massive library of 100% free models (like DeepSeek R1).
I show my screen for the entire setup, including the terminal commands and the exact raw config edits you need to make.
📺 You can watch the full walkthrough here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfj_Zj1GuQI
Save your paid API tokens for your actual production tasks, not testing!
Let me know in the comments if you run into any config errors while setting this up—happy to help you troubleshoot.
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Zac Frulloni
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How to run OpenClaw for FREE (Stop paying for API tokens) 🛑
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