---
title: Setup
slug: tutorials/setup
description: Get started by consulting the Quickstart guide, utilizing sandbox environments for testing, and leveraging webhooks for real-time updates.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-06-08T06:47:34.537Z
---

## Before you start

Before you start, refer to our [quickstart](docId\:wmg-1Fqwq3bj-D3c3HFfs) guide to get connected to our APIs. To test the API calls, you can use cURL from the command line, or a service such as [Postman](docId\:Fb95IuTT_D2JMljOJPHHb)  in our sandbox.

:::hint{type="info"}
To create a card or payment app, you must create [customer and accounts.](docId\:Td-K_prObOXEklwM6CnnG) 
:::

## Explore sandbox

We have full [sandbox environments](docId\:YDqX1Hwsn_f6TZ4tdMY0t) for you to explore. The sandbox is completely isolated from the production environment, so feel free to experiment. When you're ready to move to production, talk to your relationship manager, who will get you production credentials to access the live environment. 

## Register relevant webhook events

Webhooks are an important component of any integration with Cross River. While APIs let you request data on demand, webhooks push real-time updates directly to your system—eliminating the need for constant polling and reducing latency. In many cases, webhooks are more efficient and reliable than APIs alone, ensuring your application stays in sync with critical events like account changes, transaction updates, and processing outcomes. 

[Register](docId\:ZW-MAsRoPivhvbu4juGkP) to receive webhook events.  When webhook events are triggered, the event objects are sent to the registered URLs.