Short answer
Open the Stripe Dashboard with the account that owns the live key and finish setting up the account: verify the business and complete the account checklist. Answer any extra verification request. Until that is done, use test keys and test cards, and keep live keys out of the app.
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Why Stripe allows only test charges, and the fix
01
The account was never set up for live payments
“Verify your business to set up Stripe services on a live account.” Stripe, Set up your account
A new account can test everything in a sandbox but can’t charge real cards. Verify the business in the Dashboard; Stripe asks about the business, the product and your relationship to the business.
02
Live keys went in before setup was done
“You can only make test charges.” Stripe, Error codes (testmode_charges_only)
An app launched with live keys from an account that is still being set up fails on every payment. Ship with test keys until the Dashboard shows the account can take live payments, then switch both keys together.
03
The keys belong to a different account
Teams often have several Stripe accounts. Check that the live key comes from the account that finished verification, not a second account made for testing.
04
Stripe asked for more information
Also check: Stripe can request more details or verification as an account uses more services. Look for open requests in the Dashboard and answer them.
Checked against the vendor’s docs on : Stripe docs: Error codes; Stripe docs: Set up your account.
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Related: Stripe Invalid API Key provided · Stripe No such customer (test mode) · Stripe account_invalid · Stripe card_not_supported