# API authentication

Verifone is offering API Key authentication to help merchants maintain long-lasting integrations efficiently. 

The Verifone API Keys use both HTTP Basic Authentication and Bearer Authentication methods. 

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important!** To process transactions through the [sandbox and production environments](/online-payments/api-integration-methods-auth-and-endpoints/integration-methods-and-environment-endpoints.md#sandbox-and-production-urls), you will be using different API keys. One key is used for sandbox, and one is used for production. Make sure your API key and secret are never stored on the client’s side; they are only intended for Server-to-Server API calls.
{% endhint %}

## Availability <a href="#availability" id="availability"></a>

To create an API key, your Verifone Central account must have one of the following roles:&#x20;

* Merchant Admin
* Merchant External Partner
* Merchant Supervisor
* Merchant Cashier

## :key: Authentication methods <a href="#authentication-methods" id="authentication-methods"></a>

There are two authentication methods provided by Verifone that can be used within the REST API calls:

<a href="/pages/RO4zsRgh84XA56V4pKWS" class="button primary">Basic authentication</a>

<a href="/pages/ipaeqGinh2n64tA7XCwL" class="button primary">Bearer authentication</a>&#x20;


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