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Set Up a Stripe Account

Use this guide before connecting an Instamobile e-commerce, food delivery, marketplace, or checkout app to your own Stripe account.

Quick Answer​

Create your own Stripe account, copy the publishable key into the mobile app configuration, store the secret key only on your payments backend, and test checkout in Stripe test mode before switching to live mode.

Official Stripe references:

1. Create the Stripe Account​

  1. Go to Stripe and create an account.
  2. Complete the business profile required for your country.
  3. Keep the account in test mode while you configure the app.
  4. Open Developers > API keys in the Stripe Dashboard.

2. Understand the Two Keys​

KeyWhere it belongsWhy
Publishable key, pk_test_ or pk_live_Mobile app configUsed by the Stripe React Native SDK to initialize client-side payment UI.
Secret key, sk_test_ or sk_live_Payments backend onlyUsed by your server to create PaymentIntents, customers, ephemeral keys, refunds, and webhooks.

Never place a Stripe secret key in React Native source code, app config, public environment variables, screenshots, or support tickets.

3. Configure Test Mode First​

Before using live keys:

  • use Stripe test mode;
  • run checkout on iOS and Android;
  • confirm the payment appears in your Stripe test dashboard;
  • test failed payments and network errors;
  • test order finalization in your own backend or Firebase flow.

4. Switch to Live Mode​

Only switch to live mode after:

  • your payments backend is hosted securely;
  • live secret keys are configured as backend environment variables;
  • the app uses your live publishable key;
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay are configured if enabled;
  • your store privacy disclosures and terms are ready;
  • the React Native App Release Checklist passes.

Next Steps​