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

# Quickstart Guide

> Walk through the Cashfree Payments integration journey from account setup and API keys to building checkout, testing in sandbox, and going live.

This page provides the resources and configuration guides you need to set up your Cashfree Payments account, integrate the Cashfree APIs, and deploy your integration to production.

Navigate to the relevant section based on your integration stage:

* [**Account and activation**](#account-and-activation): Signup, KYC requirements, team management, and account management.
* [**Developer integration**](#developer-integration): Server-side SDKs, test data, webhooks, and rate limits.
* [**Go-live and production**](#go-live-and-production): Final checklists and domain whitelisting.

## Account and activation

Access the guides below for account creation, KYC submission, team management, and account management.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create an account" icon="file-shield" href="/help/account/account-activation#create-an-account">
    Access the step-by-step guide for account creation, KYC submission, and bank verification.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Required documents" icon="file-lines" href="/help/account/account-activation#required-documents">
    Review the list of KYC and business proofs required based on your entity type and business category.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage account" icon="user-gear" href="/help/account/account-management">
    Update your business profile, profile information, and security settings.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage access" icon="users" href="/help/account/access-management">
    Learn how to assign roles and manage dashboard access for your team.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Developer integration

Build your integration using the official Cashfree server-side SDKs, validate with test data, configure webhooks for notifications, and understand API rate limits.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Server-side SDKs" icon="boxes-stacked" href="/api-reference/payments/sdk">
    Accelerate your integration using the official Cashfree server-side SDKs for popular programming languages.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test data" icon="vial" href="/api-reference/payments/data-to-test-integration">
    Test data for the sandbox environment to validate your Cashfree Payments integration.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Webhooks" icon="bell" href="/payments/online/webhooks/overview">
    Register webhook endpoints to receive real-time notifications for payment and settlement events.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API rate limits" icon="gauge" href="/api-reference/payments/rate-limits">
    Understand the API request limits and throughput to ensure a scalable integration.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Production deployment

Complete the final checklists and security configurations before processing live transactions.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Go-live checklist" icon="rocket" href="/payments/online/go-live/checklist">
    Complete the final 8-point checklist to ensure your integration is production-ready.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Domain whitelisting" icon="shield-check" href="/payments/online/go-live/whitelist">
    Authorise production domains and application package names for secure API access.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>Read [Introduction](/payments/introduction) for a platform overview on Cashfree Payments products, capabilities, and the benefits they provide to merchants.</Tip>

## Environment comparison

Cashfree Payments provides two environments for integration testing and live transaction processing.

<Info>
  You can switch between the environments directly from the [Merchant Dashboard](https://merchant.cashfree.com/auth/login). To get started, click **Switch to Test** in the top-right corner to enter the test environment (indicated by a yellow banner) and safely simulate operations without financial impact. To return to the production environment and process live transactions, click **Switch to Prod**.
</Info>

| Feature             | **Sandbox (test environment)**                              | **Production**                                                 |
| :------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Endpoint**        | `sandbox.cashfree.com`                                      | `api.cashfree.com`                                             |
| **API credentials** | Sandbox **App ID** and **Secret Key** starting with `TEST_` | Production **App ID** and **Secret Key** starting with `PROD_` |
| **KYC**             | Not required for simulated testing                          | **Mandatory** for live payment processing                      |
| **Transactions**    | Simulated operations without financial impact               | Real-time payments and settlements                             |
| **Activation**      | Instant access for initial integration                      | Requires compliance verification and document submission       |

## Support and resources

Use the resources below for detailed information on commonly asked questions or reach out to the Cashfree support team for personalised assistance.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Frequently asked questions" icon="circle-info" href="/help/overview">
    Access support resources and contact channels for Cashfree Payments.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Request support" icon="headset" href="https://merchant.cashfree.com/merchants/landing?env=prod&raise_issue=1">
    Contact the support team for personalised assistance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

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  <p class="mt-4 font-medium flex items-center gap-2 related-docs-heading">
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    <span>Related topics</span>
  </p>

  <ul>
    <li><a href="/docs/help/account/overview">Account Overview</a></li>
    <li><a href="/docs/help/account/access-management#access-management">Access Management</a></li>
    <li><a href="/docs/api-reference/payments/latest/overview">Payment Gateway API</a></li>
    <li><a href="/docs/api-reference/payments/data-to-test-integration">Data to Test Integration</a></li>
  </ul>
</div>