API Credentials for PayPal

Guide to obtaining tokens, keys, and connections.

To connect to the PayPal API you need two credentials: “Client ID” and “Client Secret.” Both are obtained from the PayPal Business dashboard. Below are the steps to get each one.

Client ID

  1. 1

    Log in to your PayPal Business account (https://www.paypal.com/). If you only have a personal account, switch it to Business under Settings → Switch to Business Account.

  2. 2

    Click “App Center” (or go directly to https://www.paypal.com/merchantapps/appcenter) to open PayPal’s application center.

  3. 3

    Among the cards that appear, find “API Credentials” and click it. It may take a few seconds to load.

  4. 4

    The system will automatically generate your “Client ID.” Copy the full text and store it in a safe place.

Client secret

  1. 1

    On the same screen where you saw the “Client ID,” locate the “Secret” section. Click the “Show” or “Generate Secret” button (depending on whether this is your first time).

  2. 2

    PayPal will display a long string of letters and numbers. Copy this value—this is your “Client Secret.”

  3. 3

    Store the “Client Secret” together with the “Client ID” in a safe place.