> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.paymentkit.com/guides/integration/overview/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.paymentkit.com/_mcp/server.

# Overview: Integration

> Integrate PaymentKit into your application using our APIs, SDKs, and webhooks. Build custom checkout flows, sync billing data, and automate your payment workflows.

# API authentication

All API requests require authentication using your secret API key:

```bash
curl https://app.paymentkit.com/api/{account_id}/customers \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer st_prod_..."
```

> **Note**
>
> Keep your secret API key secure. Never expose it in client-side code or public repositories.

# API keys

PaymentKit provides two types of API keys:

| Key Type              | Prefix     | Use                   |
| --------------------- | ---------- | --------------------- |
| **Secret token**      | `st_prod_` | Server-side API calls |
| **Publishable token** | `pt_prod_` | Client-side SDKs      |

Both live and sandbox accounts use the `_prod_` prefix (e.g., `st_prod_abc123`, `pt_prod_xyz789`).

**Generate API tokens:**

1. Navigate to **Developers > API Tokens**
2. Click **Create API Token**
3. Copy your tokens and store them securely

> **Tip**
>
> Use sandbox accounts during development. Sandbox tokens work with test payment methods and don't process real payments.

# Integration options

Choose the integration approach that best fits your needs:

#### [Hosted Checkout](/guides/hosted-pages/checkout-sessions)

Redirect customers to a PaymentKit-hosted checkout page. Fastest to implement with no frontend code required.

#### [Embedded Checkout](/guides/integration/sdk-reference/payment-kit-js/getting-started)

Embed checkout elements directly in your site for a seamless branded experience.

#### No-Code

Use the dashboard to create checkout links and manage billing without writing code.

# SDKs

Use our official SDK for easier integration:

#### [Python](/guides/integration/sdk-reference/python)

Official Python SDK for server-side integrations.

# Frontend libraries

For client-side integrations, use our frontend library:

#### [PaymentKit.js](/guides/integration/sdk-reference/payment-kit-js/getting-started)

JavaScript library for embedding secure payment elements on your website.

# Webhooks

Receive real-time notifications when events occur in your PaymentKit account:

#### [Webhooks](/guides/integration/webhooks)

Set up webhook endpoints to receive event notifications and trigger automated workflows.

**Common webhook use cases:**

* Fulfill orders when payments succeed
* Provision access when subscriptions are created
* Send receipts when invoices are paid
* Revoke access when subscriptions are cancelled

# Data synchronization

Keep your systems in sync with PaymentKit:

## Push (Webhooks)

Listen for events and update your database when things change in PaymentKit.

```mermaid
sequenceDiagram
    participant PK as PaymentKit
    participant YS as Your Server
    participant DB as Your Database

    PK->>YS: POST webhook (event data)
    YS->>DB: Update records
```

## Pull (API)

Query the API to fetch current state when needed.

```mermaid
sequenceDiagram
    participant YS as Your Server
    participant PK as PaymentKit

    YS->>PK: GET /api/{account_id}/{resource}
    PK-->>YS: Response (current state)
```

> **Tip**
>
> For best results, use webhooks for real-time updates and API calls for verification and reconciliation.

# Testing

PaymentKit provides a complete test environment:

* **Test API keys** - Process test payments without real charges
* **Test cards** - Simulate various payment scenarios
* **Test mode** - All dashboard features work in test mode

#### [Simulations (Test Clocks)](/guides/integration/simulations-test-clocks)

Test subscription lifecycle behavior by advancing time with virtual test clocks.

# Next steps

#### [Accept your first payment](/guides/getting-started/accept-payments)

Follow our quickstart guide to process your first payment.

#### [Set up webhooks](/guides/integration/webhooks)

Configure webhook endpoints to receive event notifications.

#### [Embed checkout](/guides/integration/sdk-reference/payment-kit-js/getting-started)

Add payment forms directly to your website.

#### [Explore the API](/api-reference)

Browse the full API reference documentation.