Go live checklist

Test mode and live mode are fully separate: API keys, webhooks and transaction history created in one don’t exist in the other. Work through this list before you take real payments.

Before you switch

Complete KYB verification

Live mode unlocks only after your identity and business verification are approved. See KYB verification.

Check your regions and payment methods

Payment methods are activated automatically once your account is verified, your region coverage is added and live mode is enabled. Confirm the markets you sell in on Available regions.

Generate live keys

Switch the dashboard to live mode and generate your keys in Settings → API Keys. Live keys start with sk_live_ and pk_live_. Keep the secret key on your server.

Set your live webhook URL

Webhooks are configured per environment, so add your production URL in live mode too. See Webhooks.

Make sure your integration is production-ready

Check	Why
Use a unique `reference` for every payment and disbursement	It’s your idempotency key, so retries never charge or pay twice
Verify webhook signatures and ignore repeated `webhook-id`s	Webhooks can be retried and arrive out of order
Call Verify Payment before you fulfil an order	Confirms the final state, whatever order events arrive in
Handle `429` responses	Live keys allow 300 requests per minute. Wait for `Retry-After`. See Rate limits
Remove test card and test mobile money details	Test payment details only work in test mode

What changes in live mode

	Test mode	Live mode
Payments	Simulated	Real
Payouts to your bank account	Not available	Available
Real-time fraud detection	Not available	Active
Rate limit	60 requests per minute	300 requests per minute

See Test mode vs live mode for the full comparison.

Welcome

Onboard with us

Find your use case

What we support

Test and go live

Before you switch

Make sure your integration is production-ready

What changes in live mode