> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cartble.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Accept cards and digital wallets with Stripe in Cartble

> Install and configure the Stripe plugin to accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at your Cartble checkout by entering your Stripe API keys.

The Stripe plugin connects your Cartble store to Stripe's global payment gateway. Once active, a secure card form appears at checkout allowing customers to pay with a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Stripe begins preparing the payment in the background as soon as a customer starts checkout, so the transaction completes quickly when they submit their details.

## Install and activate the Stripe plugin

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Plugins section">
    In your admin dashboard, navigate to **Plugins**. You will see a list of available plugins for your store.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Stripe Payments">
    Find **Stripe Payments** in the plugin list and click **Install**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open plugin settings">
    After installation, click **Settings** on the Stripe Payments plugin card to open the configuration panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the plugin">
    Toggle the **Active** switch at the top of the settings panel to enable Stripe for your checkout.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your Stripe API keys">
    Paste your credentials from the [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/apikeys) into the corresponding fields:

    | Field               | Format                    | Description                                                            |
    | ------------------- | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Publishable Key** | `pk_test_…` / `pk_live_…` | Used in the browser to tokenize card data.                             |
    | **Secret Key**      | `sk_test_…` / `sk_live_…` | Used server-side to create payment intents. Store this value securely. |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the environment">
    The settings panel includes an **Environment Settings** card. **Test Mode** is enabled by default. While Test Mode is on, transactions are not processed by real banks — use Stripe's test card numbers to verify your integration.

    <Warning>
      Disable Test Mode and replace your test keys with live keys only when you are ready to accept real payments. Never expose your Secret Key publicly.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and test">
    Save your settings. Place a test order using a [Stripe test card](https://docs.stripe.com/testing) to confirm the payment form appears and the transaction completes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go live">
    Replace `pk_test_…` and `sk_test_…` with your live keys (`pk_live_…` and `sk_live_…`), then toggle **Test Mode** off. Your store is now accepting real payments.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What customers see at checkout

When the Stripe plugin is active and enabled, customers see a card form at the payment step in checkout with the following fields:

* **Card Number** — 16-digit card number
* **Expiry Date** — MM/YY format
* **CVC** — 3-digit security code

The form displays a "Securely processed by Stripe" badge and a notice that payment information is encrypted and never stored on your servers.

<Note>
  If the plugin is installed but its `enabled` setting is `false`, the payment form will not render at checkout. Make sure the **Active** toggle is on after saving your keys.
</Note>