> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developers.bead.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developers.bead.xyz/payments/test-crypto-transactions.md). # Test Crypto Transactions While in Bead’s test environment, real crypto tokens must be used. This includes real USDC, BTC for Bitcoin on-chain, and BTC routed over Bitcoin Lightning. Use this page for guidance on acquiring tokens for test payments, including fee tokens for blockchain or Lightning network fees, and for running an end-to-end test payment through the hosted payment page. {% hint style="success" %} **Quick Test - Bitcoin Lightning** For simple end-to-end testing, we recommend Bitcoin Lightning if enabled for your account. Lightning payments can be as low as $0.01, are near-instant, and have very low fees. This makes Lightning useful for validating payment creation, hosted payment page behavior, payment status updates, and webhooks. {% endhint %} For background on how wallets, networks, and fees work, see: * [Crypto and Wallet Concepts for Integrators](/reference-guide/core-concepts/crypto-and-wallet-concepts-for-integrators.md) * [Compatible Crypto Wallets](/reference-guide/operational-guides/compatible-crypto-wallets.md) * [Crypto payments, environment and testing](/faqs-and-troubleshooting/environment-and-testing/crypto-payments-environment-and-testing.md) {% hint style="warning" %} **Test Payment Settlement** Test environment crypto payments are not settled back through normal settlement. Use small amounts when testing. {% endhint %} *** {% stepper %} {% step %} ## Install a Crypto Wallet App Download a wallet or payment app that supports the tender and network you want to test. {% hint style="info" %} **Wallet Availability Varies** Wallet support, funding methods, minimums, and fees vary by provider and region. Always confirm that your selected wallet supports the asset and network shown on the Bead hosted payment page. {% endhint %} ### Bitcoin Lightning Commonly used options include: 1. Cash App for eligible U.S. testers 2. Wallet of Satoshi for non-U.S. testers where available 3. Strike, River, Coinbase, Phoenix, or Muun, depending on region and invoice support ### USDC on Base or Solana Commonly used options include: 1. Phantom on [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.phantom) or [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phantom-crypto-wallet/id1598432977) 2. Phantom browser extension for [Chrome](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/phantom/bfnaelmomeimhlpmgjnjophhpkkoljpa), [Brave](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/phantom/bfnaelmomeimhlpmgjnjophhpkkoljpa), Firefox, or Edge 3. MetaMask, or Trust Wallet for Base and other EVM networks ### Bitcoin On-Chain Commonly used options include: 1. Phantom on [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.phantom) or [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phantom-crypto-wallet/id1598432977) 2. Phantom browser extension for [Chrome](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/phantom/bfnaelmomeimhlpmgjnjophhpkkoljpa), [Brave](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/phantom/bfnaelmomeimhlpmgjnjophhpkkoljpa), Firefox, or Edge 3. Cash App, Strike, River, BlueWallet, or any wallet that can send BTC to an external Bitcoin address {% endstep %} {% step %} ## Set Up Your Wallet Set up your wallet or payment app before starting a test payment. For self-custody wallets, such as Phantom, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Phoenix, or Muun: 1. Create a secure password. 2. Record your Secret Recovery Phrase, if one is provided. 3. Store the Secret Recovery Phrase securely. {% hint style="warning" %} **Protect Your Recovery Phrase** If your wallet provides a Secret Recovery Phrase, this is usually the only way to recover your wallet if you move to a new device. If you lose your Secret Recovery Phrase, any funds in your wallet may be lost. {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% step %} ## Purchase or Add Tokens Bead does not provide wallet funding, on-ramp, or exchange services. Use the funding options available in your selected wallet, exchange, or payment app. {% hint style="info" %} Most wallets and payment apps allow you to purchase or add funds through integrated service providers, subject to regional availability. {% endhint %} ### Bitcoin Lightning Some apps allow you to pay a Lightning invoice from a cash balance (e.g. Cash App). Others require BTC to be held in the wallet first. ### USDC on Base or Solana Acquire USDC on the same network you intend to test: 1. USDC on Base 2. USDC on Solana You will also need a small amount of the network’s fee token: 1. ETH on Base when testing USDC on Base 2. SOL on Solana when testing USDC on Solana Base and Solana transactions are typically low cost, but the wallet still needs enough fee token to send the payment. [Converting](#convert-tokens-for-fee-tokens-in-the-phantom-mobile-app) a small amount inside the wallet is often cheaper than buying a small amount directly, depending on the provider. {% hint style="warning" %} **Solana Fee Balance** Solana wallets may require a minimum SOL balance to create or complete a transaction, even when the visible network fee is very small. We recommend you maintain at least $0.40 worth of SOL in the wallet. {% endhint %} For a Phantom setup example, see [Phantom Wallet Setup Example](#phantom-wallet-setup-example) at the bottom of this page. ### Bitcoin On-Chain Some apps allow you to create Bitcoin transactions from a cash balance (e.g. Cash App). Others require BTC to be held in the wallet first. Some apps allow users to purchase BTC directly through integrated service providers. Others require BTC to be transferred into the wallet from an exchange or another wallet before sending. Bitcoin on-chain fees are paid in BTC. Keep enough BTC in the wallet to cover both the payment amount and the network fee shown before confirmation. {% endstep %} {% step %} ## Complete a Test Payment ### Bitcoin Lightning Test Payment 1. Create a payment in Bead’s test environment. 2. From the Bead hosted payment page, select Bitcoin Lightning. 3. Open your Lightning-capable wallet or payment app. 4. Scan the QR code or paste the Lightning invoice. 5. Confirm the amount and fee shown in your wallet. 6. Send the payment. 7. Wait for the hosted payment page and webhook status to update. ### USDC Test Payment 1. Create a payment of at least $1.00 through your test application/API. 2. From the Bead hosted payment page, select USD Coin. 3. Select the network you want to test, such as Base or Solana. 4. Open your wallet and select USDC on the matching network. 5. Scan the QR code or copy the payment address. 6. Enter the payment amount shown on the hosted payment page. 7. Confirm the recipient, network, amount, and fee. 8. Send the payment. ### Bitcoin On-Chain Test Payment Bitcoin on-chain is supported, but it is not recommended for routine testing because transaction fees and confirmation times can vary. Use Bitcoin on-chain when you specifically need to validate BTC network behavior. 1. Create a payment in Bead’s test environment. 2. From the Bead hosted payment page, select Bitcoin. 3. Open a Bitcoin wallet that supports on-chain sends. 4. Scan the QR code or copy the Bitcoin address. 5. Confirm the amount, recipient, and network fee. 6. Send the payment. 7. Allow time for network confirmation and status updates. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} *** ## Phantom Wallet Setup Example ### Purchase Tokens in the Phantom Mobile App The following example uses Phantom, focusing on USDC on Base. The same pattern applies to USDC on Solana, with the network set to Solana. 1. Select the "Buy" button from the main app screen. 2. Search for and select your token. 3. For USDC on Base, select USDC on the Base network. 4. Enter your desired purchase amount. 5. USDC has a value of 1:1 with the U.S. Dollar. 6. The minimum transaction size for USDC is $1.00. 7. Purchase enough to cover the test payment amount and any fee-token conversion you need. 8. Select the payment method/provider. 9. Select "Continue" to proceed to the provider quote. 10. Carefully review the network, fees, and exchange rate. 11. Review and complete your payment. 12. Wait for your tokens to arrive. Always confirm that the token and network shown in your wallet match the network you intend to test before purchasing. ### Convert Tokens (for Fee Tokens) in the Phantom Mobile App The following example assumes you already have USDC in Phantom. 1. From the home screen, select your existing token. 2. Select "Swap" or "Sell", depending on the Phantom version and context. 3. Enter the amount you wish to convert. 4. Select ETH on Base when testing USDC on Base. 5. Select SOL on Solana when testing USDC on Solana. 6. Review the conversion fee. 7. Confirm the conversion. 8. Wait for your tokens to arrive. *** ## Next Steps and Troubleshooting If you run into issues while testing crypto payments, use the following pages: * [Crypto payments, environment and testing](https://developers.bead.xyz/faqs-and-troubleshooting/environment-and-testing/crypto-payments-environment-and-testing) * [Compatible Crypto Wallets](https://developers.bead.xyz/reference-guide/operational-guides/compatible-crypto-wallets) * [Payment Webhooks](https://developers.bead.xyz/payments/payment-webhooks) * [Crypto Testing and Fees](https://developers.bead.xyz/faqs-and-troubleshooting/payments-faqs/crypto-testing-and-fees) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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