Test transactions
Run an end-to-end test transaction in preview mode before publishing your donation page.
Once your donation form is configured, run an end-to-end test before publishing. Preview mode is a fully functional version of the form where you can run real test transactions using Stripe's test card. About 2 minutes.
Open preview mode
Click the Preview icon (play button) in the top bar of the editor. The preview opens in a separate view that mimics the donor experience exactly — every interaction works, including amount selection, frequency switching, currency switching, and submission.
Run a test transaction
- In preview mode, fill in the form with any donation amount.
- Use Stripe's test card
4242 4242 4242 4242with any future expiration date and any CVC. - Complete the donation. You'll see the receipt page render, confirming the form works end-to-end.
You can run test transactions at any breakpoint. Switch breakpoints using the toggle in the top bar before opening preview, so you verify the form behaves correctly on mobile as well as desktop.
What you can and can't test
Preview mode supports credit card test transactions only. Other payment methods can't be tested in preview:
- PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay — verify these with a small live donation after publishing.
- ACH bank transfers — the connection itself is verified during the test card flow, but ACH payment specifically requires a live transaction to fully test.
Test transactions don't appear in the Activity Dashboard. If you don't see your test donation there, that's expected.
What to verify
A complete test checks more than just whether the form submits. Use the test transaction to verify:
- The donation amounts and frequencies you've configured appear correctly
- The currency switcher behaves as expected
- Personal info fields are required where they should be
- Dedications and designations work if you've enabled them
- The receipt page renders with the correct content and any Double the Donation matching
- The form looks correct at every breakpoint you support
Once the test passes, you're ready to publish. See Drafts and publishing.