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When do you need this?

You will need this when you try to Install Stripe from Marketplace and Brain Studio asks you for an API Key.
To connect Stripe with Brain Studio you need a Secret API Key, associated with the merchant’s Stripe account. This guide explains how to obtain:
  • Test credentials (sk_test_...)
  • Production credentials (sk_live_...)
and when to use each one.
By the end of this guide you will have a Secret API Key (Test or Live) ready to install Stripe in Brain Studio.

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Before you begin

You need an active Stripe account, access to the Stripe dashboard, and permissions to view/create API Keys. No advanced technical knowledge is required.

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Environments in Stripe (Test vs Live)

Stripe separates environments by key type:
  • Test (sk_test_...): for testing without real transactions.
  • Live (sk_live_...): for real charges in production.
Brain Studio connects to Stripe using the key you enter. If you install with a Test key, your integration stays in test mode. If you install with a Live key, it is ready for production.

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Steps to obtain credentials

1

Log in to the Stripe dashboard

Sign in to the merchant’s Stripe account.
Stripe main dashboard
2

Go to Developers → API Keys

There are two ways to reach API Keys:
  • Via settings (icon at the top right → Developers → Manage API keys)
  • In the left side menu, find the Developers section and click API Keys.
Side menu with direct access to Developers and API Keys
3

Choose the environment (Test or Live)

Stripe may show test mode in two ways (depending on your account):
  • An option like “Test mode” / “Switch to a test environment” from the account selector.
  • A top bar indicating you are using test data.
Account selector with option to switch to test environment
If your account is in Live mode, it is normal to see keys with live in the API Keys section. To get Test keys, you must enter Test mode and return to this same screen.
Option to exit test mode in Stripe
4

Create (or copy) your Secret API Key

In API Keys, you will see two types of keys:
  • Publishable key (pk_...) → NOT used to install Stripe in Brain Studio
  • Secret key (sk_...) → YES, this is the one you need
In Brain Studio you must always use a Secret API Key (sk_test_... or sk_live_...). Do not use the Publishable Key (pk_...).
If you already have a Secret key ready to use, you can copy it. If you need to create a new one, click Create secret key.
Standard keys section and create secret key button
5

Choose the key type (recommended: Standard)

When creating a key, Stripe usually shows options such as:
  • How I’m building my integration (standard key / full access)
  • I’m providing this key to another website (Stripe suggests a restricted key)
For Marketplace (BYOK) and to avoid friction, we recommend using a standard key.
Stripe modal for creating a secret key with options
Stripe may recommend restricted keys for sharing with third parties. In Jelou, the key is stored securely at the platform level (it is not exposed to the end user). If you need additional control, review the Restricted keys (optional) section at the end of this guide.
If the key you copied starts with sk_test_ or sk_live_, you have everything you need to install Stripe.
Confirmation of secret key created in Stripe
6

Use the Secret API Key in Brain Studio

During installation from Marketplace, Brain Studio will ask for a single credential: API Key.Paste your Secret API Key (sk_test_... or sk_live_...) and confirm.
Brain Studio modal requesting API Key to install Stripe
Once configured:
  • Charges are processed directly in the merchant’s Stripe account.
  • Jelou does not hold funds.
  • The payment result returns to the flow to continue based on the real status.

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Test vs Live in Brain Studio

  • If you install with sk_test_..., you operate in test mode.
  • If you install with sk_live_..., you operate in production.
To change from Test → Live (or vice versa), you currently need to: uninstall Stripe in Marketplace and reinstall with the new key.

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Restricted keys (optional)

Stripe allows creating Restricted Keys (usually seen as rk_...) with specific permissions. You can use a restricted key if your organization requires greater control, but you must ensure you enable the necessary permissions for Stripe to work correctly in Brain Studio.
If you want to learn more, review the official Stripe documentation on API keys: https://docs.stripe.com/keys

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Troubleshooting

In some Stripe accounts, Test access appears in the account selector (top left) as:
  • Switch to a test environment
  • Test mode
  • Manage test environments
If you are already in test mode, a top bar usually appears indicating you are using test data.
You are using a Publishable key (pk_...).Go back to Developers → API Keys and copy a Secret key (sk_...).
Stripe shows the full key only once at the moment of creation.If you did not save it:
  • create a new key
  • save it in a safe place (password manager / secret vault)
This is normal Stripe behavior to protect secret keys.

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Best practices

  • Do not share your sk_... by chat or email.
  • Store it in a password manager or secret vault.
  • If you suspect exposure, rotate it from the Stripe dashboard and reinstall Stripe in Brain Studio with the new key.
  • Use sk_test_... for internal testing and QA.
  • Before going live, install with sk_live_... and validate a real end-to-end payment.

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Next step

Usage and configuration

Configure Stripe tools and handle payment states in your flow.