API Keys

This section describes what API keys are and how to retrieve them.

Flutterwave authenticates your API requests using your account’s API keys. If you do not include your key when making an API request or use one that is incorrect or outdated, Flutterwave returns an error.

All API requests exist in either test or live mode, and one mode cannot be manipulated by data in the other. To get your live and test API keys sign up here.

We use two types of API keys on Flutterwave: Secret keys and Encryption keys

• Secret Keys Should be kept confidential and only stored on your own servers. Your account’s secret API key can perform any API request to Flutterwave without restriction. The secret key is used to authorize all your API calls on Flutterwave

Encryption Key This is mostly required to encrypt your payload where it is necessary

Obtaining your API Keys

Your API keys are available on your Flutterwave Dashboard. Follow the steps below to access them:

• Login to your Flutterwave dashboard
• Navigate to settings
• Select API on the settings tab

From here you can copy and use these keys wherever it is required.

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Only use your test API keys for testing and development.

This ensures you don't accidentally modify your live customers or transactions.

If you cannot see your API keys on the dashboard, this means you do not have access to them. Contact your Flutterwave account’s owner and ask to be added to their team as an admin.

Test and live modes

The test and live modes function almost identically, with a few necessary differences:

In test mode, payments are not processed by card networks or payment providers, and only our Test cards and Test bank accounts can be used.

We have provided a toggle button to help you switch between live and test modes easily. When you switch to test mode, your keys are updated and you can use them for testing and development.