# Add and choose provider accounts

Save a provider account locally and assign it to an agent node.

Provider accounts let an agent node use a saved directory, API key, or endpoint credential. These accounts are separate from your MAO sign-in.

## Add an account

1. Open an agent’s setup sheet and choose **Add account…** or **Manage accounts**.
2. Choose the credential type the provider supports: **Directory**, **API key**, or **Endpoint**.
3. Enter the requested account details and save.
4. Return to the agent node and choose the account from its **Account** menu.
5. To maintain saved accounts, open **Accounts**, then choose **Edit account**, **Remove account**, or **Done**.

> **Note:** Provider account support varies. Changing an account can restart its agent process.

> **Limit:** Credentials stay in local MAO account storage and are excluded from workspace backups.

Source: https://trymao.dev/docs/agent-presets-accounts-roles/agent-accounts