> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fintoc.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Test mode (v2023-11-15)

> Legacy v2023-11-15 test mode: simulate payments, direct debit charges, webhooks, and account connections with test API keys before going live.

Fintoc provides a `test` mode, or sandbox, for testing the API without making payments or connecting real accounts. The sandbox returns simulated objects without affecting transactions or moving money.

Use your [test API keys](/v2023-11-15/guides/home/api-keys) to make requests in `test` mode. The [Dashboard](https://app.fintoc.com) displays these keys with the `sk_test_` and `pk_test_` prefixes.

Each sandbox guide provides credentials for testing its supported user flows.

You can use `test` mode for **[Movements](/v2023-11-15/guides/movements/data-aggregation-test-your-integration)**, **[Payment Initiation](/v2023-11-15/guides/payments/payment-initiation-test-your-integration)**, **[Direct Debit](/v2023-11-15/guides/direct-debit/direct-debit-test-your-integration)**, and [Transfers](/v2023-11-15/guides/transfers/test-your-integration).

## Test mode versus live mode

All Fintoc API requests occur in either `test` mode or `live` mode. API objects created in one mode aren't accessible in the other mode.

The following table compares both modes:

| Mode        | When to use                                                                                                                         | Objects                                                                                                                                            | How to use                                                                                                                                 |
| :---------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `test` mode | Use `test` mode and its associated API keys as you build your integration.                                                          | API calls return simulated objects. For example, you can retrieve and use test `link`, `movement`, `checkout_session`, and `subscription` objects. | Use test bank accounts. You can't accept real payment methods or work with real accounts.                                                  |
| `live` mode | Use `live` mode and its associated API keys when you're ready to launch your integration and accept money or connect real accounts. | API calls return real objects. For example, you can retrieve and use real `link`, `movement`, `checkout_session`, and `subscription` objects.      | Accept real bank accounts and work with customer accounts. You can accept real payment authorizations and charges, and connect real links. |

The **Test mode** toggle in the Dashboard doesn't affect your integration code. Your API keys determine whether your integration uses `test` or `live` mode.