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The Customer Accounts API handles authentication and authorization for customers in Text. Before a customer can send or receive messages through the Customer Chat API, they need a valid access token — this API is how you issue, inspect, and revoke those tokens.

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Available grant types

There are three ways to obtain a customer access token:
  • cookie — The customer’s identity is tied to their browser via cookies (__lc_cid and __lc_cst). The most common approach for web apps, where returning visitors are automatically recognized.
  • agent_token — A token is issued on behalf of a specific customer, authorized by an agent token. Best for backend integrations where you manage multiple customer identities from one place.
  • identity_token — An identity transfer token is exchanged for a customer access token. Used when a customer switches devices or browsers mid-conversation and you want their session to follow them.

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Identity transfer

If a customer starts a chat on one device and switches to another, you can transfer their identity so the conversation continues without losing history. First call Create an identity transfer token, then exchange it for a fresh access token using Create a token with grant_type=identity_token.