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

# Sandbox vs Live

> Test safely before going live with real payments

LuminPay has two fully separate environments. Build and test your integration in Sandbox first — no real money moves there — then switch to Live once you're ready to accept real customer payments.

| Environment | Base URL                          | API key prefix | Chains       |
| ----------- | --------------------------------- | -------------- | ------------ |
| **Sandbox** | `https://sandbox-api.luminpay.co` | `lmp_test_...` | Testnet only |
| **Live**    | `https://api.luminpay.co`         | `lmp_live_...` | Mainnet      |

Every endpoint in this documentation works identically in both environments — only the base URL and API key change. A `lmp_test_` key only works against the Sandbox base URL, and a `lmp_live_` key only against the Live one.

<Warning>
  Sandbox and Live are backed by completely separate databases. Charges, webhooks, and API keys created in one environment do not exist in the other.
</Warning>

## Getting a Live key

New accounts start in Sandbox automatically. Once you've tested your integration and your business has completed Tier 2 verification, request to go live from your dashboard's Developers section to receive a `lmp_live_` key.