Introducing the Flutterwave v4 API: Faster, Safer, Easier to Integrate

#flutterwave #fintech #africa #api

If integrating payments has ever broken your flow, this one’s for you. We rebuilt our API to get out of your way. The new Flutterwave v4 API is faster to implement, easier to test, and built to support modern integration workflows, from sandbox environments to live transaction handling.

TL;DR — Want to migrate now? Jump to How to Migrate

OAuth2.0 authentication.
A dedicated sandbox.
Smarter error handling.
Streamlined flow that handles the complex edge cases for you.
Less encryption boilerplate
Enterprise-grade security

Why the v4 API Matters

V4 gives you a more seamless experience for your payments. It’s designed to make your integration process faster, safer, and easier. With secure OAuth 2.0 authentication, smarter testing tools, and clearer error messages, every update helps you make the most of your payment integration.

1. Developer Account for Quicker Integrations

In v4, you can easily onboard as a developer, test our APIs, and simulate your payment gateway needs. The sandbox includes a redesigned UI, a consistent workflow, and a smoother experience as you build and test. Don’t have an account yet? Create one now.

2. OAuth2.0 Secure Replaces API Keys

v4 APIs use Open Authorization (OAuth 2.0), a secure authorization mechanism that connects your application to our servers without exposing static API keys. Unlike API keys, which can be easily exploited if leaked, OAuth 2.0 uses access tokens with expiration times, making it much harder for unauthorized users to maintain long-term access.

3. Consistent Flow Across Payment Types

We are introducing more structure and reliability to our RESTful APIs. Integrations using v4 APIs are predictable, scalable, and follow industry best practices. For example, when initiating a card payment, you no longer need to encrypt the entire payload. Only the card information needs encryption. You also do not need to call the charge card endpoint multiple times to determine the appropriate authorization method.

4. Scalability that Speeds Up Development

API requests in v4 follow a consistent flow across all payment methods. This reduces technical overhead. You can create reusable helper functions across your codebase, making integrations more efficient and scalable.

5. Clearer Error Messages for Faster Debugging

A major issue with the previous API was its generic error messages, which did not clearly indicate what went wrong or how to resolve it. In v4, error responses are well-structured and provide clear insights:

{
    "status": "failed",
    "error": {
        "type": "REQUEST_NOT_VALID",
        "code": "10400",
        "message": "Invalid card number",
        "validation_errors": []
    }
}

6. Scenario-Based Testing with `X-Scenario-Key`

In v4, testing goes beyond the basics. Using the X-Scenario-Key header, you can now simulate specific real-world situations like failed payments, delayed responses, or authentication errors directly without dedicated test data. This allows you to reliably reproduce edge cases and verify how your application handles them.

7. Robust Versioning Built for Flexibility

v4 ships with a flexible versioning system that lets you choose the version that best fits your use case. Whether you're integrating a new feature or maintaining an existing workflow, you can select a specific version in your requests to ensure consistency. If you don't specify a version, we’ll automatically default to the latest so you benefit from the most up-to-date, best-in-class improvements. All versions are backward compatible by default, so you can upgrade with confidence and without breaking your integration.

Introducing Payment Flows in v4

The payment flow in v4 has been streamlined to help you collect and process payments from customers in a seamless and efficient way. Whether you are enabling one-time checkouts or managing ongoing subscriptions, v4 provides flexible flows that simplify integration and support your business as it grows.

In v4, there are two types of payment flows, each designed for specific use cases:

1. Flow for One-Time Payments (Orchestrator and Direct Transfer)

This flow is best suited for single transactions. It lets you initiate payments by collecting transaction details from the customer without needing to store any personal or financial information.

This reduces compliance requirements, builds customer trust, and speeds up the checkout process. It's especially useful for users who prefer quick, guest-style purchases with minimal steps. For example, an online clothing store can use this flow to let customers check out without creating an account. The customer simply enters their payment details, completes the purchase, and receives their order.

2. Flow for Recurring Payments (General Payments and Transfers)

This flow is ideal for repeat or scheduled transactions. It requires you to create reusable entities such as customer profiles, payment methods, and transfer instructions. With this setup, you store information once and reuse it for future transactions. This makes ongoing billing simpler and more reliable.

It’s a great fit for subscription-based services, membership platforms, or apps with recurring charges. For instance, if you run a fitness app with monthly subscriptions, you can store a user’s billing information after the first payment. From then on, you can charge them automatically each month without requiring them to re-enter their details.

What Happens to the v3 API Now?

v3 isn’t going anywhere. Keep building with confidence.

We understand that many businesses have built stable integrations on v3, and we’re committed to providing ongoing support, maintenance, and updates. There are currently no plans to deprecate v3, and you can continue using it without interruption.

Migration From v3 Made Simple

If you’re already using the v3 API and considering a move to the new v4 API, we’ve made the process as smooth as possible.

Here’s how to get started:

Review the Documentation: Check out our v4 API documentation to understand the new endpoints, authentication flows, and data structures.
Use the Sandbox Environment: Generate your sandbox keys and start testing in a safe environment. You’ll find sample requests and responses to help you compare the v4 API with v3 API.
Map Existing Flow: Identify the key flows in your v3 integration (e.g., charge card, verify transaction) and review how they are handled in the test environment using the v4 API.
Test Again: Use our scenario keys and test cases to simulate real-world payment flows, verify edge cases, and ensure your integration works as expected before going live.
Go Live: When you're ready to launch, click the "Switch to v4 Live API Keys" button on your dashboard. Then, update your codebase by replacing the sandbox Client ID and Client Secret with your live production credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will v3 be deprecated soon?
No, we have no immediate plans to deprecate v3. It will continue to be supported, and we’ll provide ample notice before any deprecation happens. You can keep using it without making any changes.
Is there any benefit to switching to the new v4 API right away?
Yes. The new API offers a cleaner structure, better error handling, improved security features, and is easier to scale. But migration is entirely up to your timeline.
Can I use both APIs at the same time?
No. You can only use one version.
Is there a migration tool or guide?
Yes, we’re working on a step-by-step migration guide and video walkthroughs with code examples. In the meantime, our documentation highlights all key differences.
Where can I get help during migration?
Our integration support team is available to help answer questions and troubleshoot any migration issues.
How do I access the docs for v3 or v4?
Visit our API documentation portal and use the version toggle button to switch between the v3 API and v4 API.