---
title: "Get your Stripe API keys"
space: "Integrations"
url: "https://integrations.frappe.cloud/integrations/payment-integration/stripe/api-keys"
updated: "2026-09-08"
---

ERPNext uses a publishable key and secret key to connect to your Stripe account. Start with test keys so you can verify the complete payment flow without moving money.

## Get the keys

Use an account whose API keys you can access. Start in test mode so you can verify the payment flow without moving money.

1. Open [Stripe Dashboard > API keys](https://dashboard.stripe.com/apikeys).
2. Select test mode for the initial setup.
3. Copy the **Publishable key**.
4. Reveal and copy the **Secret key**.

![](/files/API keys.webp)


| Key             | Used by                           | Test prefix | Live prefix |
| --------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------- | ----------- |
| Publishable key | The customer-facing payment flow  | `pk_test_`  | `pk_live_`  |
| Secret key      | ERPNext server requests to Stripe | `sk_test_`  | `sk_live_`  |


## Keep the keys secure

- Store the secret key only in the **Secret Key** field in Stripe Settings.
- Do not put a secret key in documentation, screenshots, email, browser code, or version control.
- Use keys from the same Stripe account and mode. Do not combine a test publishable key with a live secret key.
- Replace the keys in Stripe Settings when you move from testing to live payments.

## Expected result

You have a matching publishable key and secret key from one Stripe account and one mode. Continue with [Connect ERPNext to Stripe](./connect).

## Troubleshooting

- If you cannot reveal a secret key, ask a Stripe account administrator to grant the required access or create a restricted key that supports the integration.
- If Stripe rejects the credentials, confirm that both keys are complete, come from the same account and mode, and have not been rolled or revoked.
- If a key was exposed, roll it in Stripe and immediately replace it in Stripe Settings.