Error: "Your request was made in live mode but you are using a test card" – how to switch to test mode

Problem Statement

This article explains why you see this error, how to use Chargebee Test site and gateway test mode correctly, and how to switch to test mode when needed.

Related Scenarios

• Accessing Chargebee Test and Live sites.
• Accessing Stripe (or other gateway) sandbox and live accounts.

Solution

Chargebee provides a Test site (sandbox) that mirrors your Live site so you can configure settings and test flows with test cards. Use the Test site for test cards; use the Live site only with live gateway and live cards.

To open your Test site, click your account name (top left), then Go to TEST site. You can also see other sites you have access to from there.

If you do not see Go to TEST site, you may not have access. Ask your account owner or admin to invite you to the Test site. See How to add users to your account for more.

Gateway test mode: Payment gateways typically offer sandbox and live environments. Connect your Chargebee Test site to the gateway’s test/sandbox mode (for example, Stripe’s Test/Live toggle). Use test cards only when the gateway is in test mode and the Chargebee site is the Test site.