# Go-live Checklist

Source: https://docs.gocardless.com/docs/getting-started/go-live-checklist

# Go-live checklist

Use this checklist to take your integration live. Work through each step to ensure a smooth transition from sandbox to production.

> **Tip: Before you begin**
> Make sure you've completed the previous guides: [Set up](/docs/getting-started/set-up), [Send your
>   first API request](/docs/getting-started/send-your-first-api-request), [Create a
>   payment](/docs/getting-started/create-a-payment), and [Stay up to date with
>   webhooks](/docs/getting-started/stay-up-to-date-with-webhooks).

## Checklist

          
            
### 1. Simulate scenarios

There are common paths you should make sure your integration handles successfully,
                for example, a customer cancelling their mandate or a payment failing due to lack of
                funds.
              #### [Scenario simulators](/docs/developer-resources/scenario-simulators)

Replicate various states and responses to test how your integration handles edge
                  cases.

                
#### [Test bank details](/docs/developer-resources/test-bank-details)

Use these test bank details to trigger specific payment outcomes in sandbox.

              

            
### 2. Set up your live account

Create your live GoCardless accountto
                start processing real payments. If you are working with a GoCardless Account
                Executive, they will help you with this step.
              ### 3. Create an access token

Just as you did with your sandbox account, navigate to the
                Developers tab, then select
                Createfollowed by Create Access Token. Make sure
                the token has read/writepermissions.
              > **Warning: Keep your token safe**
> Save the token in a secure place or add it directly to your build. You will not be
>                 able to view it again after creation.

            
### 4. Amend API endpoints from sandbox to live

Update your existing integration to point to the live environment by changing the
                base URL from https://api-sandbox.gocardless.comto
                https://api.gocardless.com. If you're using a client library, change
                the environment setting from sandboxto live.
              ### 5. Set up a webhook listener

Add a webhook endpoint to your live account following the same steps you completed
                for sandbox. See the
                Stay up to date with webhooks
                
                guide if you need a refresher.
              ### 6. Test your connection

Check that you're still able to successfully make a call to the live API — choose a
                call that you've already tested in sandbox.
              ### 7. Subscribe to GoCardless API status updates

Subscribe to API status notifications
                
                for both sandbox and live environments. This helps you stay proactively aware of any
                scheduled maintenance or downtime.
              ),
    },
    
                Developers tab, then select
                Createfollowed by Create Access Token. Make sure
                the token has read/writepermissions. Be sure to save it in a
                secure place or add it directly to your build.
              > **Warning: Keep your token safe**
> You will not be able to view the token again after creation.

            
### 4. Create your payment pages

Create your Payment Pages in accordance with our compliance
                guides. This will need to
                be approved by a member of our Compliance Team before you can process real payments.
              > **Info: Compliance review required**
> Your custom payment pages must pass a compliance review before going live. Plan for
>                 this in your launch timeline.

            
### 5. Amend API endpoints from sandbox to live

Update your existing integration to point to the live environment by changing the
                base URL from https://api-sandbox.gocardless.comto
                https://api.gocardless.com. If you're using a client library, change
                the environment setting from sandboxto live.
              ### 6. Set up a webhook listener

Add a webhook endpoint to your live account following the same steps you completed
                for sandbox. See the
                Stay up to date with webhooks
                
                guide if you need a refresher.
              ### 7. Test your connection

Check that you're still able to successfully make a call to the live API — choose a
                call that you've already tested in sandbox.
              ### 8. Subscribe to GoCardless API status updates

Subscribe to API status notifications
                
                for both sandbox and live environments. This helps you stay proactively aware of any
                scheduled maintenance or downtime.
              ),
    },
  ]}
/>

## Next steps

  
#### [Partner integrations](/docs/partner-integrations)

Looking to go live with a partner integration? Follow the partner-specific go-live checklist.

  
#### [Explore add-ons](/docs/optimise/prevent-fraud-with-protect-plus)

Prevent fraud with Protect+ and reduce failed payments with Success+.

  
#### [FAQs](https://gocardless.com/faq/merchants/developer-api/)

Any questions? Read through our most frequently asked questions.