ChatGPT plus is not the same as API?

I have a Plus subscription. As far as I understand that’s not what it takes to use the api key with cursor. Can someone confirm explicitly my understanding?

It’s weird. I can even generate API keys, but I don’t think I can use them.

Yes they are two different mediums, read this article:

That is correct. ChatGPT Plus and API are two different things. ChatGPT Plus gives you access to features that you can use within the ChatGPT eco-system like plugins, search etc. For Cursor, you’ll have to set up billing and generate a new API Key from the API platform