> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://memberful.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manage your account in test mode

> Memberful starts in test mode, which you can use for free. When you're ready to go live, you can add your payment method and connect with Stripe.

export const RelatedDocs = ({link1, link2, link3, link4, link5, link6, link7, link8, link9, link10, className = ""}) => {
  const links = [link1, link2, link3, link4, link5, link6, link7, link8, link9, link10].filter(Boolean);
  if (!links.length) return null;
  return <section className={`related-docs border dark:border-gray-700 rounded-2xl px-6 py-4 mt-6 ${className}`}>
      <p className="mb-2 font-medium">
        <strong>Related help docs:</strong>
      </p>
      <ul className="space-y-1 mb-1 mt-1">
        {links.map((link, index) => <li key={index}>
            <a href={link.url}>{link.label}</a>
          </li>)}
      </ul>
    </section>;
};

In this help article, we'll explore how to add a payment method and connect your Stripe account to start accepting live payments.

## Add a payment method

When you're ready to accept real payments on your site, go to *Settings → Stripe.* You'll be prompted to add a payment method so we can charge you the monthly Memberful plan fee when you go live.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/memberful/xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y/images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/add-a-payment-method.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y&q=85&s=a16d336e246073d7b76aaacf9a9f007e" alt="Add a payment method" width="1440" height="910" data-path="images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/add-a-payment-method.png" />
</Frame>

<Callout icon="triangle-alert" color="#FFE044">
  Once you go live, you can't return to test mode, so stay in test mode until you're fully ready to launch. Connecting to Stripe will also start your [Memberful monthly fees](https://memberful.com/pricing/).
</Callout>

## Connect your Stripe account

Once that's done, click **Connect with Stripe** and select your Stripe account.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/memberful/xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y/images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/connect-with-stripe.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y&q=85&s=2a384740d1dd2681290b44f82a9ba1aa" alt="Connect with Stripe" width="1440" height="753" data-path="images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/connect-with-stripe.png" />
</Frame>

Once live, you CANNOT switch back to test mode. We will:

* Turn off test mode
* Turn on real payments
* Delete all test orders
* Delete all test members
* Lock your currency
* Charge your plan fee

If you don't have a Stripe account, you can sign up directly from Memberful. The form is short and simple.

## Start accepting live payments

Now your Memberful monthly plan is active.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/memberful/xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y/images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/your-plan-is-active.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y&q=85&s=067a4fab775fd7b38d128ba29cc7dbfb" alt="Your plan is active" width="1440" height="299" data-path="images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/your-plan-is-active.png" />
</Frame>

And you're ready to start accepting live payments. 🚀

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/memberful/xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y/images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/connected-to-stripe.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=xXjwqCUtMkelgT1Y&q=85&s=3bc1fa07739be3863c0c34a6efd1304c" alt="Connected to Stripe" width="1440" height="631" data-path="images/manage-your-account/manage-your-account-in-test-mode/connected-to-stripe.png" />
</Frame>

<RelatedDocs
  link1={{
url: "/account-management/profile/update-your-personal-information/",
label: "Update your email and password.",
}}
  link2={{
url: "/manage-your-account/email-notification-settings/",
label: "Manage your email notification settings.",
}}
/>