> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bouclay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Going live

> Move from test payments to real ones

Build and test everything with test keys first. When it all works, switch to live keys. Your code does not change: only the keys do.

## What test and live mode keep apart

* **API keys.** `sk_test_…` and `rk_test_…` keys work in test mode. `sk_live_…` and `rk_live_…` keys work in live mode.
* **Gateway connections.** You connect your gateway once with its test keys and once with its live keys. A test request charges through the test connection only.
* **Saved cards.** A card saved in test mode can never be charged by a live key, and a live card is never visible to a test key.

## Checklist

**1. Confirm your business details**

Your business name, address and tax details print on every invoice. Check them in the dashboard under **Settings**.

**2. Connect your gateway's live account**

Open **Developers → Payment gateways**, pick your gateway and choose **Connect live account**. Paste your live keys, then copy the **Inbound webhook URL** into your gateway's dashboard. See [Connect a gateway](https://docs.bouclay.com/gateways/connect.md).

**3. Create a live API key**

Open **Developers → API Keys** and create a live key. Prefer a [restricted key](https://docs.bouclay.com/integrate/authentication.md#restricted-keys) with only the scopes your app needs. Keep it on your server, never in a browser or mobile app.

**4. Point a webhook endpoint at production**

Add your production URL under **Developers → Webhooks** and store its signing secret. It is shown once. See [Webhooks](https://docs.bouclay.com/integrate/webhooks.md).

**5. Review your billing settings**

Under **Billing settings**, check your currencies, invoice numbering, VAT, payment terms and how failed payments are retried. See [Failed payments](https://docs.bouclay.com/billing/failed-payments.md).

**6. Make one real payment**

Subscribe yourself with a real card, check the invoice and the webhook, then refund it.


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