1. Request production access
Contact your Circle representative to request
production API access. Production access requires a signed agreement with
Circle.
2. Replace sandbox URLs with production URLs
Update the base URL in your application from the sandbox endpoint to the
production endpoint.
| Environment | API host |
|---|
| Sandbox | https://api-sandbox.circle.com |
| Production | https://api.circle.com |
3. Replace your API key
Replace your sandbox API key with your production API key. Your production API
key is provided by Circle after your production access is approved.
Keep your production API key safe. Because the production API key allows you
to work with real funds, treat it with appropriate security protocols. Never
expose it in client-side code or public repositories.
4. Account for production settlement times
In sandbox, wire deposits and blockchain transactions settle instantly. In
production, be aware of the following differences:
| Operation | Sandbox behavior | Production behavior |
|---|
| Wire deposits | Instant | 1-2 business days |
| Wire withdrawals | Instant | 1-2 business days |
| Crypto deposits | Instant | Varies by blockchain (minutes to hours) |
| Crypto transfers | Instant | Varies by blockchain (minutes to hours) |
| Internal transfers | Instant | Instant (same as sandbox) |
5. Verify KYB onboarding flow
In sandbox, KYB verification is automatically approved. In production, Circle
performs real KYB checks on your end customers. Ensure your integration handles
the following scenarios:
- Pending verification: The account is created but not yet active while
Circle reviews the business entity
- Rejected verification: The business entity does not pass KYB checks and
the account is not activated
6. Review transaction limits
Sandbox limits differ from production limits. Verify the applicable limits for
your end customers’ risk tiers and ensure your integration handles limit errors
gracefully. See
Limits and risk ratings
for details.
7. Set up webhook notifications
If you haven’t already, configure
webhook notifications
for your production environment to receive real-time updates on deposits,
withdrawals, and transfers. Using webhooks reduces the need for polling and
ensures you respond quickly to account events.
Production checklist
Before going live, confirm that you have completed each of the following items:
- Obtained a production API key from Circle
- Updated all API calls to use the production base URL
- Tested authentication with the production API key
- Handled KYB pending and rejected states in your onboarding flow
- Accounted for real-world settlement times in your user interface
- Configured webhook notifications for production
- Verified that transaction limit errors are handled gracefully
