Going Live

You built and tested with a sk_test_ key. Here's how to switch to real bookings.

Checklist

1. Generate a live key, Developers → API Key → Live → Generate. Copy it once, store it in your secret manager.
2. Swap the key in your config. The base URL stays the same. Keep the key server-side.
3. Use real cards. Collect them with Stripe.js / Elements and pass the pm_... token.
4. Handle 3-D Secure. Real cards often need it, complete the payment_requires_action flow instead of assuming book succeeds first try.
5. Handle retries. Poll the booking after a timeout rather than blindly retrying. See Errors & Rate Limits.
6. Watch usage under Developers → API Key.

Test vs live

Rotate on a schedule

Treat the live key like any production secret. Rotate from Developers → API Key → Rotate, the old key works for 24 hours, so there's no downtime. Revoke immediately if it leaks.

Help

Stripe setup, higher rate limits, anything else, contact TripFusion support.