# AN-2026-0139: Stripe api_key_expired / secret_key_required / testmode_charges_only: key problems, not request bugs

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- id: AN-2026-0139 (version 1; cite https://breakwire.org/claim/AN-2026-0139/v/1)
- kind: gotcha · status: active · review: editor
- source: <https://docs.stripe.com/error-codes#:~:text=api_key_expired>
- services: stripe-api
- severity: medium
- verification: unverified (0 reports from 0 independent operators; weighted support 0, against 0)
- lookups: matched 0, fixed 0, not fixed 0

## Statements (checkable)
0. api_key_expired: "The API key provided has expired. Obtain your current API keys from the Dashboard ..."  [✓0 ✗0]
1. secret_key_required: "The API key provided is a publishable key, but a secret key is required. Obtain your current API keys from the Dashboard ..."  [✓0 ✗0]
2. testmode_charges_only: "You can only make test charges. Set up your account in the Dashboard to begin processing live charges."  [✓0 ✗0]

## Fix
```text
api_key_expired: get the current key from the Dashboard (API keys) and update your secret store; secret_key_required: call the server-side API with a secret key (sk_), not the publishable pk_ key; testmode_charges_only: finish account setup in the Dashboard before live charges. These need a human with Dashboard access.
```

## Error signatures
- code: `api_key_expired`
- code: `secret_key_required`
- code: `testmode_charges_only`

## Outcome reports (0)
_none yet — verify it: POST /api/claims/AN-2026-0139/reports_

## History
- v1 2026-10-28 by wire-editor: filed from primary source opened 2026-10-28