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Quick Reference Fresh

Essential reference tables and quick lookups for Stripe development.

Section overview

PageDescription
Test CardsCard numbers, PaymentMethods, and tokens for sandbox testing
Decline CodesCard decline codes with descriptions and next steps
CurrenciesSupported currencies, amount formatting, and minimum charges
API ErrorsHTTP status codes, error types, and error object attributes
API VersioningHow Stripe versions work and how to pin or upgrade
WebhooksWebhook handler setup, signature verification, and best practices
PayoutsPayout schedules, bank account setup, and status reference

Quick lookups

Keys format

KeyFormatUse
Publishable keypk_test_... / pk_live_...Client-side (safe to expose)
Secret keysk_test_... / sk_live_...Server-side only (never expose)
Webhook secretwhsec_...Signature verification
Restricted keyrk_test_... / rk_live_...Scoped server-side access

Common API base URLs

ResourceURL
APIhttps://api.stripe.com/v1/
Fileshttps://files.stripe.com/v1/
Stripe.jshttps://js.stripe.com/v3/

Amount formatting rule

All API amounts are in the smallest currency unit (no decimals):

  • 1099 = $10.99 USD
  • 500 = 500 JPY (zero-decimal)
  • 1000 = £10.00 GBP

Rate limits

  • Default: 100 read requests/second, 100 write requests/second
  • Use exponential backoff when you receive 429 Too Many Requests
  • Do not load test using Stripe's sandbox — rate limits apply there too

Stripe API Reference - Self-contained docs reference, refreshed 2026-05-18