Bot account for API access

Question

I'm developing some scripts that interact with Jira issues through the API. I'd like to run those under a specific bot account that is not my user account. What is the best way to do that given the new Atlassian Guard tooling (i.e. authentication policies, non-billable, etc).

I'd prefer not to have to pay for a full user license for this.

Sebastian Penhouet_c5nt77 · Answer

This is now possible. You can create a ServiceAccount: Understand service accounts | Atlassian Support
You do not need to pay an extra license for a ServiceAccount.

This ServiceAccount can use the API and you can create an API Token for it.

The REST API documentation shows what API token scopes you need per API endpoint: The Jira Software Cloud REST API

Sebastian Penhouet_c5nt77 · Answer

We need to create a new, paid, user for this?

unknown · Answer

I'd prefer not to have to pay for a full user license for this

You're out of luck. Access to the REST API is via a licensed user account.

Anyhow, using a special user account for doing bot like user activities is good practice, so you're on the right path.