API Keys

Application Programming Interface (API) Keys are unique strings of code used to authenticate and identify a user or application when communicating with a payment processor like Stripe. In the context of Charge for Stripe, API Keys function as the secure bridge that connects the mobile app to your Stripe dashboard, allowing the app to process charges, issue refunds, and view data on your behalf without sharing your login password.

FAQs:

• What is the difference between a Publishable Key and a Secret Key?
  Your Publishable Key is used for client-side code (like a website checkout) to tokenize card information. The Secret Key is used on the server side (or within secure apps like Charge) to perform sensitive actions like charging a card.
• Is it safe to share my API Keys?
  You should never share your Secret API Key in public forums or code repositories. However, you must provide them to trusted third-party applications (like Charge for Stripe) to enable their functionality.
• Where do I find my Stripe API Keys?
  You can locate your API keys in the Stripe Dashboard under the “Developers” tab.

Related Terms:

• Secret Key
• Publishable Key
• Restricted Key
• Tokenization