How to test real credit card numbers?

Testing real credit card numbers is not recommended due to security and compliance risks. Instead, businesses and developers should use test credit card numbers, which are provided by payment networks for testing purposes. These numbers work in sandbox environments to simulate real transactions without processing actual payments. Using live credit card data for testing could lead to accidental charges, security breaches, or non-compliance with PCI DSS regulations.

Is it illegal to use test credit card numbers?

No, it is not illegal to use test credit card numbers as long as they are used in designated testing environments, such as payment gateways’ sandbox modes. However, using them for real transactions, fraudulent purposes, or unauthorized testing can lead to legal consequences. Always ensure you are testing within compliant frameworks provided by legitimate payment service providers.

What are some credit card numbers for test accounts?

Many payment providers offer specific credit card test card numbers for sandbox testing. Examples include: Visa: 4111 1111 1111 1111 Mastercard: 5555 5555 5555 4444 American Express: 3782 822463 10005 Discover: 6011 0009 9013 9424 These numbers allow merchants to validate payment processing workflows without using real financial data. Each provider may have additional test cases to simulate declined transactions, expired cards, or CVV mismatches.