Paystack Web Subscription Test

Use this checklist to validate end-to-end web subscription payment activation with Paystack test keys.

1) Backend environment

Set these in Backend/ipos_backend/.env:

PAYSTACK_SECRET_KEY=sk_test_xxx
PAYSTACK_PUBLIC_KEY=pk_test_xxx
PAYSTACK_WEBHOOK_SECRET=sk_test_xxx
PAYSTACK_BASE_URL=https://api.paystack.co
PAYSTACK_SUBSCRIPTION_CALLBACK_URL=https://<your-frontend-host>/subscription/renew

Notes:

• PAYSTACK_WEBHOOK_SECRET can be the same as PAYSTACK_SECRET_KEY for this integration.
• Callback URL should point to your web app route that now auto-verifies reference.

2) Start backend and frontend

Backend:

cd Backend/ipos_backend
python manage.py runserver 0.0.0.0:8000

Frontend:

cd Frontend/pos-frontend
npm run dev

3) Start ngrok for webhook delivery

ngrok http 8000

Copy the HTTPS forwarding URL, for example:

• https://abcd-1234.ngrok-free.app

Your webhook URL becomes:

• https://abcd-1234.ngrok-free.app/api/paystack/webhook/

4) Configure Paystack test dashboard

In Paystack Dashboard test mode:

• Set webhook URL to your ngrok webhook URL.
• Keep your test secret and public keys in your backend and frontend env.

5) Run payment flow from web app

1. Login as business admin.
2. Open subscription page.
3. Choose plan and duration.
4. Click Continue to Paystack.
5. Complete payment in Paystack test checkout.
6. Confirm redirect back to /subscription/renew?reference=....

Expected result:

• Frontend auto-calls verify endpoint.
• Business subscription activates automatically.

6) Verify backend records

Check admin:

• PaystackSubscriptionPayment status should become success.
• subscription_applied_at should be set.
• Business subscription_plan and subscription_end should be updated.

7) Quick API checks

Initialize:

POST /api/paystack/subscriptions/initialize/

Verify:

GET /api/paystack/subscriptions/verify/{reference}/

Webhook:

POST /api/paystack/webhook/

Troubleshooting

• Invalid Paystack signature: verify webhook URL and secret key.
• Amount or currency mismatch: ensure plan pricing currency and amount matches checkout.
• Failed to initialize Paystack checkout: verify PAYSTACK_SECRET_KEY test key and network access.