diff --git a/auth.py b/auth.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b729347
--- /dev/null
+++ b/auth.py
@@ -0,0 +1,310 @@
+"""
+Centralized Authorization Module for Castle Extension.
+
+Provides consistent, secure authorization patterns across all endpoints.
+
+Key concepts:
+- AuthContext: Captures all authorization state for a request
+- Dependencies: FastAPI dependencies for endpoint protection
+- Permission checks: Consistent resource-level access control
+
+Usage:
+    from .auth import require_super_user, require_authenticated, AuthContext
+
+    @router.get("/api/v1/admin-endpoint")
+    async def admin_endpoint(auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user)):
+        # Only super users can access
+        pass
+
+    @router.get("/api/v1/user-data")
+    async def user_data(auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_authenticated)):
+        # Any authenticated user
+        user_id = auth.user_id
+        pass
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from functools import wraps
+from http import HTTPStatus
+from typing import Optional
+
+from fastapi import Depends, HTTPException
+from lnbits.core.models import WalletTypeInfo
+from lnbits.decorators import require_admin_key, require_invoice_key
+from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
+from loguru import logger
+
+from .crud import get_account, get_user_permissions
+from .models import PermissionType
+
+
+@dataclass
+class AuthContext:
+    """
+    Authorization context for a request.
+
+    Contains all information needed to make authorization decisions.
+    Use this instead of directly accessing wallet/user properties scattered
+    throughout endpoint code.
+    """
+    user_id: str
+    wallet_id: str
+    is_super_user: bool
+    wallet: WalletTypeInfo
+
+    @property
+    def is_admin(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if user is a Castle admin (super user).
+
+        Note: In Castle, admin = super_user. There's no separate admin concept.
+        """
+        return self.is_super_user
+
+    def require_super_user(self) -> None:
+        """Raise HTTPException if not super user."""
+        if not self.is_super_user:
+            raise HTTPException(
+                status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
+                detail="Super user access required"
+            )
+
+    def require_self_or_super_user(self, target_user_id: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Require that user is accessing their own data or is super user.
+
+        Args:
+            target_user_id: The user ID being accessed
+
+        Raises:
+            HTTPException: If user is neither the target nor super user
+        """
+        if not self.is_super_user and self.user_id != target_user_id:
+            raise HTTPException(
+                status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
+                detail="Access denied: you can only access your own data"
+            )
+
+
+def _build_auth_context(wallet: WalletTypeInfo) -> AuthContext:
+    """Build AuthContext from wallet info."""
+    user_id = wallet.wallet.user
+    return AuthContext(
+        user_id=user_id,
+        wallet_id=wallet.wallet.id,
+        is_super_user=user_id == lnbits_settings.super_user,
+        wallet=wallet,
+    )
+
+
+# ===== FastAPI Dependencies =====
+
+async def require_authenticated(
+    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
+) -> AuthContext:
+    """
+    Require authentication (invoice key minimum).
+
+    Returns AuthContext with user information.
+    Use for read-only access to user's own data.
+    """
+    return _build_auth_context(wallet)
+
+
+async def require_authenticated_write(
+    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+) -> AuthContext:
+    """
+    Require authentication with write permissions (admin key).
+
+    Returns AuthContext with user information.
+    Use for write operations on user's own data.
+    """
+    return _build_auth_context(wallet)
+
+
+async def require_super_user(
+    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+) -> AuthContext:
+    """
+    Require super user access.
+
+    Raises HTTPException 403 if not super user.
+    Use for Castle admin operations.
+    """
+    auth = _build_auth_context(wallet)
+    if not auth.is_super_user:
+        logger.warning(
+            f"Super user access denied for user {auth.user_id[:8]} "
+            f"attempting admin operation"
+        )
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
+            detail="Super user access required"
+        )
+    return auth
+
+
+# ===== Resource Access Checks =====
+
+async def can_access_account(
+    auth: AuthContext,
+    account_id: str,
+    permission_type: PermissionType = PermissionType.READ,
+) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if user can access an account.
+
+    Access is granted if:
+    1. User is super user (full access)
+    2. User owns the account (user-specific accounts like Assets:Receivable:User-abc123)
+    3. User has explicit permission for the account
+
+    Args:
+        auth: The authorization context
+        account_id: The account ID to check
+        permission_type: The type of access needed (READ, SUBMIT_EXPENSE, MANAGE)
+
+    Returns:
+        True if access is allowed, False otherwise
+    """
+    # Super users have full access
+    if auth.is_super_user:
+        return True
+
+    # Check if this is the user's own account
+    account = await get_account(account_id)
+    if account:
+        user_short = auth.user_id[:8]
+        if f"User-{user_short}" in account.name:
+            return True
+
+    # Check explicit permissions
+    permissions = await get_user_permissions(auth.user_id)
+    for perm in permissions:
+        if perm.account_id == account_id:
+            # Check if permission type is sufficient
+            if perm.permission_type == PermissionType.MANAGE:
+                return True  # MANAGE grants all access
+            if perm.permission_type == permission_type:
+                return True
+            if (
+                permission_type == PermissionType.READ
+                and perm.permission_type in [PermissionType.SUBMIT_EXPENSE, PermissionType.MANAGE]
+            ):
+                return True  # Higher permissions include READ
+
+    return False
+
+
+async def require_account_access(
+    auth: AuthContext,
+    account_id: str,
+    permission_type: PermissionType = PermissionType.READ,
+) -> None:
+    """
+    Require access to an account, raising HTTPException if denied.
+
+    Args:
+        auth: The authorization context
+        account_id: The account ID to check
+        permission_type: The type of access needed
+
+    Raises:
+        HTTPException: If access is denied
+    """
+    if not await can_access_account(auth, account_id, permission_type):
+        logger.warning(
+            f"Account access denied: user {auth.user_id[:8]} "
+            f"attempted {permission_type.value} on account {account_id}"
+        )
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
+            detail=f"Access denied to account {account_id}"
+        )
+
+
+async def can_access_user_data(auth: AuthContext, target_user_id: str) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if user can access another user's data.
+
+    Access is granted if:
+    1. User is super user
+    2. User is accessing their own data
+
+    Args:
+        auth: The authorization context
+        target_user_id: The user ID whose data is being accessed
+
+    Returns:
+        True if access is allowed
+    """
+    if auth.is_super_user:
+        return True
+
+    # Users can access their own data - compare full ID or short ID
+    if auth.user_id == target_user_id:
+        return True
+
+    # Also allow if short IDs match (8 char prefix)
+    if auth.user_id[:8] == target_user_id[:8]:
+        return True
+
+    return False
+
+
+async def require_user_data_access(
+    auth: AuthContext,
+    target_user_id: str,
+) -> None:
+    """
+    Require access to a user's data, raising HTTPException if denied.
+
+    Args:
+        auth: The authorization context
+        target_user_id: The user ID whose data is being accessed
+
+    Raises:
+        HTTPException: If access is denied
+    """
+    if not await can_access_user_data(auth, target_user_id):
+        logger.warning(
+            f"User data access denied: user {auth.user_id[:8]} "
+            f"attempted to access data for user {target_user_id[:8]}"
+        )
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
+            detail="Access denied: you can only access your own data"
+        )
+
+
+# ===== Utility Functions =====
+
+def get_user_id_from_wallet(wallet: WalletTypeInfo) -> str:
+    """
+    Get user ID from wallet info.
+
+    IMPORTANT: Always use wallet.wallet.user (not wallet.wallet.id).
+    - wallet.wallet.user = the user's ID
+    - wallet.wallet.id = the wallet's ID (NOT the same!)
+
+    Args:
+        wallet: The wallet type info from LNbits
+
+    Returns:
+        The user ID
+    """
+    return wallet.wallet.user
+
+
+def is_super_user(user_id: str) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if a user ID is the super user.
+
+    Args:
+        user_id: The user ID to check
+
+    Returns:
+        True if this is the super user
+    """
+    return user_id == lnbits_settings.super_user
diff --git a/views_api.py b/views_api.py
index a3e206d..77eadaf 100644
--- a/views_api.py
+++ b/views_api.py
@@ -83,6 +83,14 @@ from .models import (
     UserWithRoles,
 )
 from .services import get_settings, get_user_wallet, update_settings, update_user_wallet
+from .auth import (
+    AuthContext,
+    require_authenticated,
+    require_authenticated_write,
+    require_super_user,
+    require_account_access,
+    require_user_data_access,
+)
 
 castle_api_router = APIRouter()
 
@@ -276,26 +284,34 @@ async def api_get_accounts(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/accounts", status_code=HTTPStatus.CREATED)
 async def api_create_account(
     data: CreateAccount,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> Account:
-    """Create a new account (admin only)"""
+    """Create a new account (super user only)"""
     return await create_account(data)
 
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/accounts/{account_id}")
-async def api_get_account(account_id: str) -> Account:
-    """Get a specific account"""
+async def api_get_account(
+    account_id: str,
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_authenticated),
+) -> Account:
+    """Get a specific account (requires authentication and account access)"""
     account = await get_account(account_id)
     if not account:
         raise HTTPException(
             status_code=HTTPStatus.NOT_FOUND, detail="Account not found"
         )
+    # Check access permission
+    await require_account_access(auth, account_id, PermissionType.READ)
     return account
 
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/accounts/{account_id}/balance")
-async def api_get_account_balance(account_id: str) -> dict:
-    """Get account balance from Fava/Beancount"""
+async def api_get_account_balance(
+    account_id: str,
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_authenticated),
+) -> dict:
+    """Get account balance from Fava/Beancount (requires authentication and account access)"""
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
     # Get account to retrieve its name
@@ -303,6 +319,9 @@ async def api_get_account_balance(account_id: str) -> dict:
     if not account:
         raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail="Account not found")
 
+    # Check access permission
+    await require_account_access(auth, account_id, PermissionType.READ)
+
     # Query Fava for balance
     fava = get_fava_client()
     balance_data = await fava.get_account_balance(account.name)
@@ -316,11 +335,16 @@ async def api_get_account_balance(account_id: str) -> dict:
 
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/accounts/{account_id}/transactions")
-async def api_get_account_transactions(account_id: str, limit: int = 100) -> list[dict]:
+async def api_get_account_transactions(
+    account_id: str,
+    limit: int = 100,
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_authenticated),
+) -> list[dict]:
     """
     Get all transactions for an account from Fava/Beancount.
 
     Returns transactions affecting this account in reverse chronological order.
+    Requires authentication and account access.
     """
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
@@ -332,6 +356,9 @@ async def api_get_account_transactions(account_id: str, limit: int = 100) -> lis
             detail=f"Account {account_id} not found"
         )
 
+    # Check access permission
+    await require_account_access(auth, account_id, PermissionType.READ)
+
     # Query Fava for transactions
     fava = get_fava_client()
     transactions = await fava.get_account_transactions(account.name, limit)
@@ -343,11 +370,15 @@ async def api_get_account_transactions(account_id: str, limit: int = 100) -> lis
 
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/entries")
-async def api_get_journal_entries(limit: int = 100) -> list[dict]:
+async def api_get_journal_entries(
+    limit: int = 100,
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
+) -> list[dict]:
     """
     Get all journal entries from Fava/Beancount.
 
     Returns all transactions in reverse chronological order with username enrichment.
+    SUPER USER ONLY - exposes all transaction data.
     """
     from lnbits.core.crud.users import get_user
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
@@ -721,22 +752,15 @@ async def _get_username_from_user_id(user_id: str) -> str:
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/entries/pending")
 async def api_get_pending_entries(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> list[dict]:
     """
-    Get all pending expense entries that need approval (admin only).
+    Get all pending expense entries that need approval (super user only).
 
     Returns transactions with flag='!' from Fava/Beancount.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can access this endpoint",
-        )
-
     # Query Fava for all journal entries (includes links, tags, full metadata)
     fava = get_fava_client()
     all_entries = await fava.get_journal_entries()
@@ -949,7 +973,7 @@ async def api_create_journal_entry(
     # Entry metadata (excluding tags and links which go at transaction level)
     entry_meta = {k: v for k, v in data.meta.items() if k not in ["tags", "links"]}
     entry_meta["source"] = "castle-api"
-    entry_meta["created-by"] = wallet.wallet.id
+    entry_meta["created-by"] = wallet.wallet.user  # Use user_id, not wallet_id
 
     # Format as Beancount entry
     fava = get_fava_client()
@@ -975,7 +999,7 @@ async def api_create_journal_entry(
         id=f"fava-{timestamp}",
         description=data.description,
         entry_date=data.entry_date if data.entry_date else datetime.now(),
-        created_by=wallet.wallet.id,
+        created_by=wallet.wallet.user,  # Use user_id, not wallet_id
         created_at=datetime.now(),
         reference=data.reference,
         flag=data.flag if data.flag else JournalEntryFlag.CLEARED,
@@ -1138,7 +1162,7 @@ async def api_create_expense_entry(
         id=entry_id,  # Use the generated castle entry ID
         description=data.description + description_suffix,
         entry_date=data.entry_date if data.entry_date else datetime.now(),
-        created_by=wallet.wallet.id,
+        created_by=wallet.wallet.user,  # Use user_id, not wallet_id
         created_at=datetime.now(),
         reference=castle_reference,
         flag=JournalEntryFlag.PENDING,
@@ -1266,7 +1290,7 @@ async def api_create_receivable_entry(
         id=entry_id,  # Use the generated castle entry ID
         description=data.description + description_suffix,
         entry_date=datetime.now(),
-        created_by=wallet.wallet.id,
+        created_by=wallet.wallet.user,  # Use user_id, not wallet_id
         created_at=datetime.now(),
         reference=castle_reference,  # Use castle reference with unique ID
         flag=JournalEntryFlag.PENDING,
@@ -1380,7 +1404,7 @@ async def api_create_revenue_entry(
         id=entry_id,
         description=data.description,
         entry_date=datetime.now(),
-        created_by=wallet.wallet.id,
+        created_by=wallet.wallet.user,  # Use user_id, not wallet_id
         created_at=datetime.now(),
         reference=castle_reference,
         flag=JournalEntryFlag.CLEARED,
@@ -1444,8 +1468,18 @@ async def api_get_my_balance(
 
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/balance/{user_id}")
-async def api_get_user_balance(user_id: str) -> UserBalance:
-    """Get a specific user's balance with the Castle (from Fava/Beancount)"""
+async def api_get_user_balance(
+    user_id: str,
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_authenticated),
+) -> UserBalance:
+    """
+    Get a specific user's balance with the Castle (from Fava/Beancount).
+
+    Users can only access their own balance. Super users can access any user's balance.
+    """
+    # Check access: must be own data or super user
+    await require_user_data_access(auth, user_id)
+
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
     fava = get_fava_client()
@@ -1461,9 +1495,9 @@ async def api_get_user_balance(user_id: str) -> UserBalance:
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/balances/all")
 async def api_get_all_balances(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> list[dict]:
-    """Get all user balances (admin/super user only) from Fava/Beancount"""
+    """Get all user balances (super user only) from Fava/Beancount"""
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
     fava = get_fava_client()
@@ -1802,7 +1836,7 @@ async def api_pay_user(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/receivables/settle")
 async def api_settle_receivable(
     data: SettleReceivable,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
     """
     Manually settle a receivable (record when user pays castle in person).
@@ -1812,15 +1846,8 @@ async def api_settle_receivable(
     - Bank transfers
     - Other manual settlements
 
-    Admin only.
+    Super user only.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can settle receivables",
-        )
 
     # Validate payment method
     valid_methods = ["cash", "bank_transfer", "check", "lightning", "btc_onchain", "other"]
@@ -1957,7 +1984,7 @@ async def api_settle_receivable(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/payables/pay")
 async def api_pay_user(
     data: PayUser,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
     """
     Pay a user (castle pays user for expense/liability).
@@ -1966,15 +1993,8 @@ async def api_pay_user(
     - Lightning payments: already executed, just record the payment
     - Cash/Bank/Check: record manual payment that was made
 
-    Admin only.
+    Super user only.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can pay users",
-        )
 
     # Validate payment method
     valid_methods = ["cash", "bank_transfer", "check", "lightning", "btc_onchain", "other"]
@@ -2152,16 +2172,9 @@ async def api_update_settings(
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/user-wallet/{user_id}")
 async def api_get_user_wallet(
     user_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
-    """Get user's wallet settings (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can access user wallet info",
-        )
+    """Get user's wallet settings (super user only)"""
 
     user_wallet = await get_user_wallet(user_id)
     if not user_wallet:
@@ -2183,9 +2196,9 @@ async def api_get_user_wallet(
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/users")
 async def api_get_all_users(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> list[dict]:
-    """Get all users who have configured their wallet (admin only)"""
+    """Get all users who have configured their wallet (super user only)"""
     from lnbits.core.crud.users import get_user
 
     user_settings = await get_all_user_wallet_settings()
@@ -2209,12 +2222,12 @@ async def api_get_all_users(
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/admin/castle-users")
 async def api_get_castle_users(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> list[dict]:
     """
     Get all users who have configured their wallet in Castle.
     These are users who can interact with Castle (submit expenses, receive permissions, etc.).
-    Admin only.
+    Super user only.
     """
     from lnbits.core.crud.users import get_user
 
@@ -2247,10 +2260,10 @@ async def api_expense_report(
     start_date: Optional[str] = None,
     end_date: Optional[str] = None,
     group_by: str = "account",
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
     """
-    Get expense summary report using BQL.
+    Get expense summary report using BQL. Super user only.
 
     Args:
         start_date: Filter from this date (YYYY-MM-DD), optional
@@ -2511,32 +2524,18 @@ async def api_get_manual_payment_requests(
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/manual-payment-requests/all")
 async def api_get_all_manual_payment_requests(
     status: str = None,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> list[ManualPaymentRequest]:
-    """Get all manual payment requests (Castle admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can access this endpoint",
-        )
+    """Get all manual payment requests (super user only)"""
     return await get_all_manual_payment_requests(status)
 
 
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/manual-payment-requests/{request_id}/approve")
 async def api_approve_manual_payment_request(
     request_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> ManualPaymentRequest:
-    """Approve a manual payment request and create accounting entry (Castle admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can access this endpoint",
-        )
+    """Approve a manual payment request and create accounting entry (super user only)"""
 
     # Get the request
     request = await get_manual_payment_request(request_id)
@@ -2604,17 +2603,9 @@ async def api_approve_manual_payment_request(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/manual-payment-requests/{request_id}/reject")
 async def api_reject_manual_payment_request(
     request_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> ManualPaymentRequest:
-    """Reject a manual payment request (Castle admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can access this endpoint",
-        )
-
+    """Reject a manual payment request (super user only)"""
     # Get the request
     request = await get_manual_payment_request(request_id)
     if not request:
@@ -2629,7 +2620,7 @@ async def api_reject_manual_payment_request(
             detail=f"Request already {request.status}",
         )
 
-    return await reject_manual_payment_request(request_id, wallet.wallet.user)
+    return await reject_manual_payment_request(request_id, auth.user_id)
 
 
 # ===== EXPENSE APPROVAL ENDPOINTS =====
@@ -2638,22 +2629,15 @@ async def api_reject_manual_payment_request(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/entries/{entry_id}/approve")
 async def api_approve_expense_entry(
     entry_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
     """
-    Approve a pending expense entry by changing flag from '!' to '*' (admin only).
+    Approve a pending expense entry by changing flag from '!' to '*' (super user only).
 
     This updates the transaction in the Beancount file via Fava API.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can approve expenses",
-        )
-
     fava = get_fava_client()
 
     # 1. Get all journal entries from Fava
@@ -2725,23 +2709,16 @@ async def api_approve_expense_entry(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/entries/{entry_id}/reject")
 async def api_reject_expense_entry(
     entry_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
     """
-    Reject a pending expense entry by marking it as voided (admin only).
+    Reject a pending expense entry by marking it as voided (super user only).
 
     Adds #voided tag for audit trail while keeping the '!' flag.
     Voided transactions are excluded from balances but preserved in the ledger.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
 
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can reject expenses",
-        )
-
     fava = get_fava_client()
 
     # 1. Get all journal entries from Fava
@@ -2823,10 +2800,10 @@ async def api_reject_expense_entry(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/assertions")
 async def api_create_balance_assertion(
     data: CreateBalanceAssertion,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> BalanceAssertion:
     """
-    Create a balance assertion for reconciliation (admin only).
+    Create a balance assertion for reconciliation (super user only).
 
     Uses hybrid approach:
     1. Writes balance assertion to Beancount (via Fava) - source of truth
@@ -2835,16 +2812,9 @@ async def api_create_balance_assertion(
 
     The assertion will be checked immediately upon creation.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
     from .fava_client import get_fava_client
     from .beancount_format import format_balance
 
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can create balance assertions",
-        )
-
     # Verify account exists
     account = await get_account(data.account_id)
     if not account:
@@ -2876,7 +2846,7 @@ async def api_create_balance_assertion(
         )
 
     # Store metadata in Castle DB for UI convenience
-    assertion = await create_balance_assertion(data, wallet.wallet.user)
+    assertion = await create_balance_assertion(data, auth.user_id)
 
     # Check it immediately (queries Fava for actual balance)
     try:
@@ -2911,16 +2881,9 @@ async def api_get_balance_assertions(
     account_id: str = None,
     status: str = None,
     limit: int = 100,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> list[BalanceAssertion]:
-    """Get balance assertions with optional filters (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can view balance assertions",
-        )
+    """Get balance assertions with optional filters (super user only)"""
 
     # Parse status enum if provided
     status_enum = None
@@ -2943,17 +2906,9 @@ async def api_get_balance_assertions(
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/assertions/{assertion_id}")
 async def api_get_balance_assertion(
     assertion_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> BalanceAssertion:
-    """Get a specific balance assertion (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can view balance assertions",
-        )
-
+    """Get a specific balance assertion (super user only)"""
     assertion = await get_balance_assertion(assertion_id)
     if not assertion:
         raise HTTPException(
@@ -2967,17 +2922,9 @@ async def api_get_balance_assertion(
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/assertions/{assertion_id}/check")
 async def api_check_balance_assertion(
     assertion_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> BalanceAssertion:
-    """Re-check a balance assertion (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can check balance assertions",
-        )
-
+    """Re-check a balance assertion (super user only)"""
     try:
         assertion = await check_balance_assertion(assertion_id)
     except ValueError as e:
@@ -2992,17 +2939,9 @@ async def api_check_balance_assertion(
 @castle_api_router.delete("/api/v1/assertions/{assertion_id}")
 async def api_delete_balance_assertion(
     assertion_id: str,
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
-    """Delete a balance assertion (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can delete balance assertions",
-        )
-
+    """Delete a balance assertion (super user only)"""
     # Verify it exists
     assertion = await get_balance_assertion(assertion_id)
     if not assertion:
@@ -3021,16 +2960,9 @@ async def api_delete_balance_assertion(
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/reconciliation/summary")
 async def api_get_reconciliation_summary(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
-    """Get reconciliation summary (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can access reconciliation",
-        )
+    """Get reconciliation summary (super user only)"""
 
     # Get all assertions
     all_assertions = await get_balance_assertions(limit=1000)
@@ -3079,16 +3011,9 @@ async def api_get_reconciliation_summary(
 
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/reconciliation/check-all")
 async def api_check_all_assertions(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
-    """Re-check all balance assertions (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can run reconciliation checks",
-        )
+    """Re-check all balance assertions (super user only)"""
 
     # Get all assertions
     all_assertions = await get_balance_assertions(limit=1000)
@@ -3117,16 +3042,9 @@ async def api_check_all_assertions(
 
 @castle_api_router.get("/api/v1/reconciliation/discrepancies")
 async def api_get_discrepancies(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
-    """Get all discrepancies (failed assertions, flagged entries) (admin only)"""
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can view discrepancies",
-        )
+    """Get all discrepancies (failed assertions, flagged entries) (super user only)"""
 
     # Get failed assertions
     failed_assertions = await get_balance_assertions(
@@ -3154,21 +3072,14 @@ async def api_get_discrepancies(
 
 @castle_api_router.post("/api/v1/tasks/daily-reconciliation")
 async def api_run_daily_reconciliation(
-    wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
+    auth: AuthContext = Depends(require_super_user),
 ) -> dict:
     """
-    Manually trigger the daily reconciliation check (admin only).
+    Manually trigger the daily reconciliation check (super user only).
     This endpoint can also be called via cron job.
 
     Returns a summary of the reconciliation check results.
     """
-    from lnbits.settings import settings as lnbits_settings
-
-    if wallet.wallet.user != lnbits_settings.super_user:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.FORBIDDEN,
-            detail="Only super user can run daily reconciliation",
-        )
 
     from .tasks import check_all_balance_assertions