Stripe Test Mode and Live Mode serve different purposes for managing transactions.
Test Mode is used for development and testing, allowing you to simulate transactions without involving real money. In this mode, you use Test API keys and special test card numbers to simulate various payment scenarios, such as successful payments, declined charges, or refunds. This mode ensures your integration works correctly before processing real payments. The data from Test Mode is marked as “Test” in the Stripe dashboard.
Live Mode is for processing actual transactions with real money. It requires using Live API keys, and real customer card information is needed for payment processing. Once you’re confident that your integration is working properly in Test Mode, you can switch to Live Mode to begin accepting real payments. Transactions in Live Mode are irreversible, and real financial risks are involved, so it’s important to be fully prepared.
👉 Also Read: How to Set up Stripe Checkout in WooCommerce?