Stripe live mode and test mode
Stripe has two separate environments: live mode (real money) and test mode (fake cards, no money moves). Both can be connected to the same store at the same time.
Live mode
Section titled “Live mode”- Real charges with real cards.
- The price you set is what your buyer pays.
- Use it once you’re ready to take real customers.
Test mode
Section titled “Test mode”- Fake credit cards Stripe provides for testing (e.g.
4242 4242 4242 4242). - No money is moved.
- Useful for trying the full flow — checkout, subscription, refund, cancellation — before going live.
- Test purchases cannot leave reviews on your store.
Connecting both
Section titled “Connecting both”On the Payment providers screen of your store, you’ll see two cards: Stripe and Stripe test mode. Connect each one separately. They link to two different Stripe accounts inside Stripe.
Choosing which one is used at checkout
Section titled “Choosing which one is used at checkout”When you create or edit a price, you pick which of your connected payment methods accept it. Most stores enable only live mode in production prices, and create separate “test prices” enabled only for test mode while they’re trying things out.