Get started with PayPal Developer

APICurrentLast updated: March 16th 2023, @ 11:23:55 am


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The PayPal REST API is organized around transaction workflows, including, orders, payments, subscriptions, invoicing, and disputes.

To get started with the PayPal REST API, first create a developer account on the Developer Dashboard. You can generate your credentials, authentication token, and sandbox accounts from the the Developer Dashboard.

Creating sandbox accounts and generating credentials requires a developer, personal, or business account. Each account provides different levels of access to PayPal features. To access a feature you don’t currently have, upgrade your account on the My Account page in the Developer Dashboard.

Try out our REST APIs with test credentials on Postman.

Account types

Use sandbox accounts to generate mock transactions to test your app. To send and receive money, you’ll need both both personal and business sandbox accounts.

The following features are available for each type of account:

CapabilitiesDeveloper AccountPersonal AccountBusiness Account
Client and server-side integrations
Accept PayPal, Venmo and Pay Later Offers
Accept local payment methods

Note: To test integrations in the US, use a PayPal developer account. To test integrations outside the US, use a PayPal business or personal account.

More Information

Required
Sandbox Accounts

Generate mock transactions to test your app.

Required
PayPal Partner Program

Make calls on behalf of a third party.