> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://syticks.gitbook.io/merpi-by-syticks/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://syticks.gitbook.io/merpi-by-syticks/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

This page walks you through everything you need to do before making your first API call: creating your merchant account, getting your API keys, and funding your test wallet.

***

### Step 1: Request Access

MERPI is available to verified merchants only. To get an account, you first need an activation code from the Syticks team.

Visit the [MERPI landing page](https://merpi.syticks.com/) or email <hello@syticks.com> with the following:

* Your business name and website
* The ticket categories you want to offer (entertainment, cinema, bus, hospitality, or all)
* Your expected monthly transaction volume

We will send you an activation code within 24 hours.

***

### Step 2: Create Your Merchant Account

Once you have your activation code:

1. Go to [dashboard.syticks.com](https://dashboard.syticks.com/)
2. Click **Sign Up**
3. Enter your activation code when prompted
4. Fill in your business details and complete the registration

<figure><img src="/files/6L7nGFUh6BRpxllMUQ7z" alt="Merchant sign up form with activation code field on MERPI By Syticks"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 3: Get Your API Keys

After your account is activated, your API keys are available in the Dashboard under **Settings > API Keys**. You will see two keys: one for Staging and one for Live.

<figure><img src="/files/RarQsXabITDJl6sF8Mp6" alt="Settings > API Keys tab showing Staging and Live keys on MERPI By Syticks"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Keep your API keys confidential. Do not expose them in client-side code or public repositories. Use your Staging key during development and only switch to your Live key when you are going to production.
{% endhint %}

Full instructions on how to attach your API key to requests are covered on the [API Keys and Authentication](https://sytickss-organization.gitbook.io/merpi-by-syticks/authentication) page.

***

### Step 4: Fund Your Test Wallet

Before you can test purchase endpoints, your Staging wallet needs to have a balance. Here is how to fund it.

**Make sure you are in Staging/Test mode.** Check the toggle at the top of your Dashboard and confirm it is set to Staging.

<figure><img src="/files/LGvxRFqKe0MyP1ECN8gY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then:

1. Click **Top-up** on your Dashboard

<figure><img src="/files/LyBaKwvEjP2JpJIwJHxw" alt="Top Up Wallet on MERPI By Syticks"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. A modal will appear asking for an amount. Enter any amount above 1,000 Naira
3. Click **Fund**

<figure><img src="/files/HT25oVqyaOsZRrBlbcbj" alt="Top-up wallet modal in Staging mode"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. The test money is added to your Staging wallet instantly

{% hint style="info" %}
No real money is involved in Staging. The funds added here are test credits that only work within the Staging environment.
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 5: Fund Your Live Wallet

When you are ready to go to production, you will need to fund your Live wallet with real money. The process is similar but involves a bank transfer.

**Switch to Live mode** using the toggle at the top of your Dashboard.

Then:

1. Click **Top-up Wallet**
2. Enter the amount you want to fund
3. You will be shown bank account details to transfer into
4. Make the transfer from your bank
5. Return to the modal and click **I have made the transfer**
6. Your wallet balance updates immediately

<figure><img src="/files/mMEo7E02NgnjPhaPvAEP" alt="Modal Showing Bank Details to transfer into on MERPI By Syticks Merchant Dashboard"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 6: Set Up Your Payout Account

To withdraw your commissions, you need to add your payout account details in the Dashboard under **Settings > Payout Account**.

<figure><img src="/files/SFR4nkQABwjMy0gH5Ntm" alt="Settings > Payout Account setup screen on MERPI By Syticks Merchant Dashboard"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### You Are Ready

With your account set up, API keys in hand, and your test wallet funded, you are ready to start making API calls.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th align="center"></th><th align="center"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center"><strong>API Keys and Authentication</strong></td><td align="center">Learn how to attach your API key to every request and which headers are required.</td><td><a href="/pages/tYo9evKUQvUzPz26fUEU">/pages/tYo9evKUQvUzPz26fUEU</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>Explore the API Reference</strong></td><td align="center">Browse all available endpoints across entertainment, cinema, bus, and hospitality.</td><td><a href="/pages/1EMlgvD45AWDsTadn69l">/pages/1EMlgvD45AWDsTadn69l</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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