> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cloud.coinbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Set up your Sandbox API keys, create a funded account, and send a test transaction

**Base API URL:** `https://sandbox.cdp.coinbase.com`

## 1. Create Sandbox API keys

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access CDP Portal Sandbox">
    Navigate to Sandbox mode in the CDP Portal
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Sandbox API key">
    * Go to **Settings**
    * Click **Create secret API Key**
    * Enter an **API key nickname**
    * **Download the API key JSON file** and save it securely
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 2. Install CDP CLI

[CDP CLI](/get-started/build-with-ai/cdp-for-agents) is a command-line tool that handles JWT authentication automatically — configure your API key once and it takes care of signing every request for you.

```bash theme={null}
npm install -g @coinbase/cdp-cli
cdp --version
```

<Info>
  Node.js 22 or later is required.
</Info>

**Configure your API key:**

```bash theme={null}
cdp env sandbox --key-file ~/Downloads/cdp_api_key.json
```

<Warning>
  Never commit API keys to version control. Store them securely in environment variables or a secrets manager. Do not use real personal data in the Sandbox environment.
</Warning>

## 3. Create and fund an account through the portal

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Sandbox Accounts">
    In Sandbox mode, navigate to the Accounts tab
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create test account">
    Name the account (e.g., "My Test Account")
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add test assets">
    Add balances in different assets to your account. Currently we support USD, USDC, USDT (e.g., set USD to \$1000)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/coinbase-cloud/79EgpkeY3uNvQgy8/images/sandbox_account_balance.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=79EgpkeY3uNvQgy8&q=85&s=7f7cf90f5ab35c29b3f8bf968c34401c" alt="Sandbox account showing test balances for USD, USDT, and USDC" width="1116" height="660" data-path="images/sandbox_account_balance.png" />
</Frame>

<Warning>
  All balances are simulated within the Sandbox environment — no blockchain or testnet connectivity. You cannot fund accounts by sending real or testnet crypto.
</Warning>

## 4. Verify balance(s)

Run the following to verify your account balance:

```bash theme={null}
cdp accounts balance <accountId>
```

<Tip>
  List all your account IDs:

  ```bash theme={null}
  cdp accounts list
  ```
</Tip>

## 5. Alternative: Test with Postman

Prefer a GUI? See the [Postman guide](/get-started/sandbox/postman) for setup instructions.

## Next steps

Now that you're set up, explore the resource guides to test specific features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Payment Methods" icon="credit-card" href="/get-started/sandbox/guides/payment-methods">
    Test fiat withdrawal flows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Deposit Destinations" icon="arrow-down-to-line" href="/get-started/sandbox/guides/deposit-destinations">
    Create addresses and simulate incoming deposits
  </Card>

  <Card title="Accounts" icon="wallet" href="/get-started/sandbox/guides/accounts">
    Create and manage test accounts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transfers" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left" href="/get-started/sandbox/guides/transfers">
    Test transfers to crypto addresses and emails
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Transitioning to Live

When you're ready to move from Sandbox to Live:

* **Complete integration testing**: Ensure all features work correctly in Sandbox
* **Create Live API keys**: Generate Live credentials in the CDP Portal
* **Update configuration**: Switch from `sandbox.cdp.coinbase.com` to `api.cdp.coinbase.com`
* **Start with small transactions**: Begin with small test transactions to verify everything works
* **Set up monitoring**: Configure alerting for failed transactions and API errors