> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://docs.downpay.app/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Bogus Test Payment Gateway Guide If you need to test your Shopify store without running real transactions, the **Bogus Test Payment Gateway** is the fastest and safest way to simulate payments. It lets you place orders, trigger flows, test apps (including Downpay), and check your entire checkout experience - all without using a real credit card. Below is everything a merchant should know: what it is, when to use it, how to enable it, the test card numbers, and common tips. --- ###### On this page: [What Is the Bogus Test Payment Gateway?](#1-what-is-the-bogus-test-payment-gateway) [How to Enable the Bogus Test Payment Gateway](#1-how-to-enable-the-bogus-test-payment-gateway) [How to Place Test Orders Using Bogus Gateway](#1-how-to-enable-the-bogus-test-payment-gateway) * [Successful Transaction](#4-1-successful-transaction) * [Failed Transaction](#4-2-failed-transaction) * [Error / Exception](#4-3-error-exception) [Common Questions](#1-common-questions) [Troubleshooting](#1-troubleshooting) [What You Cannot Test with Downpay When Using the Bogus Test Gateway](#1-what-you-cannot-test-with-downpay-when-using-the-bogus-test-gateway) * [Remaining balance collection](#4-1-remaining-balance-collection) * [Payment provider webhooks](#4-2-payment-provider-webhooks) * [Wallets and accelerated checkouts](#4-3-wallets-and-accelerated-checkouts) * [Fraud checks and risk analysis](#4-4-fraud-checks-and-risk-analysis) * [Real refunds, disputes, and payment failures](#4-5-real-refunds-disputes-and-payment-failures) * [Card re-authorization or post-purchase edits](#4-6-card-re-authorization-or-post-purchase-edits) --- # **What Is the Bogus Test Payment Gateway?** The **Bogus Gateway** is Shopify’s built-in fake payment provider. It allows you to: * Simulate **successful**, **failed**, or **error** transactions * Test **checkout**, **cart**, **order creation**, **fulfillment**, **refunds**, and **notifications** * Test **apps that rely on checkout**, including partial-payment apps like **Downpay** * Test **different payment outcomes** without connecting real payment providers * Avoid making real charges or refunds on your card It’s available on all Shopify plans and can only be enabled when your store is in **test mode** (or on a development store). # **How to Enable the Bogus Test Payment Gateway** #### **Step 1: Go to Payments** 1. In your Shopify admin, go to **Settings → Payments**. #### **Step 2: Deactivate All Real Payment Providers** You must **deactivate Shopify Payments, PayPal, and any third-party gateway** before Bogus becomes available. #### **Step 3: Activate Bogus Gateway** 1. Scroll down to **Alternative payment methods**. 2. Look for **Bogus Test Gateway**. 3. Click **Activate**. Once enabled, your checkout will work normally, but every payment will be simulated. # **How to Place Test Orders Using Bogus Gateway** When you go to checkout, use these special card numbers depending on the scenario you want to test: #### **1. Successful Transaction** Use this **card number**: ``` 1 ``` Any future date + any 3-digit CVV. #### **2. Failed Transaction** Use this **card number**: ``` 2 ``` #### **3. Error / Exception** Use this **card number**: ``` 3 ``` This lets you test how your store behaves when payments fail or error. # **Common Questions** #### **Is Bogus Gateway available on all Shopify stores?** Yes — but only visible when no real provider is active. #### **Can customers place real orders with Bogus enabled?** No. All orders are test orders. #### **Will Bogus Gateway work with all apps?** Yes. Any app that relies on Shopify’s checkout will work with Bogus for testing. #### **Can I use the Shopify Payments “Test Mode” instead?** Yes — Shopify Payments has its own sandbox test mode. The Bogus gateway is simpler and doesn't require connecting real bank accounts. # **Troubleshooting** #### **Bogus Gateway isn’t showing up** Try: * Deactivate **all** other payment methods * Refresh the page * If still missing, your store may not be in test mode * Make sure you're not using unsupported checkout settings (rare) ### **Test charge isn't going through** Check that you typed exactly one digit: 1, 2, or 3. # What You *Cannot* Test with Downpay When Using the Bogus Test Gateway While the Bogus Test Gateway is great for testing checkout and deposits, several Downpay features **cannot** be fully tested because Bogus doesn’t create real payments. #### **1. Remaining balance collection** Bogus does **not** vault cards or send real payment intents, so future charges will not actually process. You can only test *the logic* (due dates, Flow triggers) and **simulate remaining balance collection** but not real transactions. #### **2. Payment provider webhooks** No real events are sent from Shopify Payments, Stripe, or Paypal. Anything depending on external payment webhooks won’t run. #### **3. Wallets and accelerated checkouts** Shop Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local payment methods do **not** appear when Bogus is active. #### **4. Fraud checks and risk analysis** Bogus bypasses AVS, CVV, fraud screening, and card validations. You cannot test risk-based automations or flows. #### **5. Real refunds, disputes, and payment failures** Refunds aren’t processed, no chargebacks can occur, and no real “payment failed” scenario exists beyond the fake test response. #### **6. Card re-authorization or post-purchase edits** Order edits involving reauthorization cannot be tested - Bogus doesn’t support recharging cards. The Bogus Test Payment Gateway is the quickest way to simulate checkout and payment behaviour on Shopify. It's ideal for: * Testing new stores * Testing some aspects of payment apps like Downpay * Training staff * Avoiding real charges while experimenting | Turn it on while developing — turn it off when launching.