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Create your first payment

From API keys to a settled payment: create a charge, handle redirect methods, and read the timeline.

8 min read · updated 2026-10-12 · API 2026-06-01

Get your test keys

Sign in to the dashboard and open Developers, then API keys. Copy the secret test key; it starts with sk_test_. Test mode is fully isolated from live money and needs no approval.

Create a payment

POST to /v1/payments with an amount in the smallest currency unit, a currency, and a method. Card payments authorize in seconds. Bank transfer methods return a redirect_url the customer opens to receive transfer instructions.

curl https://api.example.com/v1/payments \
  -u sk_test_example: \
  -d amount=4900 \
  -d currency=EUR \
  -d method=bank_transfer \
  -d reference=order-10482

Handle redirect methods

Send return_url when the method can redirect, such as iDEAL or online banking. The customer returns to that URL with a payment query parameter; confirm the state server-side by retrieving the payment, never by trusting the redirect alone.

Read the timeline

Every payment carries a timeline of events. For bank transfers the sequence is created, funds_reserved, then settled. Webhooks deliver the same events to your endpoint; the timeline is the source of truth.

Move to live mode

Replace the test key with your live key after activation. Amounts, methods, and settlement currencies behave identically, so no code changes are needed. Test cards and simulated bank accounts stop working in live mode.

Test cardBehavior
4242 4242 4242 4242Succeeds immediately
4000 0000 0000 9995Declined, insufficient funds
4000 0027 6000 3184Triggers 3-D Secure challenge
5555 5555 5555 4444Mastercard, succeeds

Test mode needs no approval

Request a demo key and follow this guide against your own flows.