Prerequisites

JavaScript (Node.js): axios , fetch
Python: requests
cURL: CLI examples are provided in the docs

Create a merchant account at PayIslands Dashboard.
After registration, retrieve your merchant_secret_key from Developer → Settings in the dashboard.

The API runs against the same production base URL:

https://ags.payislands.com

The mode depends on which API key you use:

Test Mode
- Transactions are fully simulated.
- No funds are moved, but responses, error codes, and workflows match real transactions.
- Ideal for integration, debugging, and QA.
Live Mode
- Transactions are real, irreversible payments.
- Charges are settled and recorded in your merchant account.

Separate API keys are issued for Test and Live modes. Select the right key from Developer → Settings to switch between them.

All requests require your merchant_secret_key in the Authorization header:
```
Authorization: Bearer <merchant_secret_key>
```
Keep this key safe. Do not expose it in client-side code (browser, mobile app, etc.).

Official SDKs are in progress. For now, you can integrate using any HTTP library such as:

Use your Test API key for staging/QA.
In Test Mode, transactions are simulated: no funds are moved, but responses, error codes, and workflows mirror live behavior.
Reference routing (Test vs Live):
- PIST... references are used for simulated test flows.
- PISL... references are used for live/provider flows.
Card test instruments (PIST...): use these PANs to force specific outcomes in the simulator:
- 4242424242424242 → success (next_action: confirm-transaction)
- 4084084084084081 → OTP required (next_action: otp)
- 4000000000001091 → 3DS redirect (next_action: redirect)
- 4000000000000002 → decline
- 4000000000000259 → timeout / no network
- OTP test value (simulated OTP flow): 123456
Always confirm final status using the Transaction Verification endpoint (especially after checkout redirects or webhook delivery).