# Unable to test payment flow in sandbox for square-hosted checkout page **URL:** \ **Category:** Questions\ **Tags:** payments-api, sandbox\ **Created:** [September 13, 2026, 12:58pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682 "2026-09-13T12:58:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 9
**Author:** ![chzqueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@chzqueen](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/chzqueen)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/9 "2026-10-14T00:03:54Z")
Could Square confirm the current Sandbox support for Checkout API `CreatePaymentLink` with `checkout_options.redirect_url` (API version 2026-09-16)? Our hosted preview disables card fields/Pay. The Test Payment simulator returns a completed payment with `source_type: EXTERNAL`. The September 18 answer above recommends that simulator. The March 2023 [staff answer](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/checkout-api-in-sandbox-test/8789) said card entry and redirect testing were unavailable, while current [Checkout guidelines](https://developer.squareup.com/docs/checkout-api/guidelines-and-limitations) describe card-only Sandbox testing. Is there now a supported hosted Sandbox route for browser test-card entry, captured `CARD` payment, automatic customer return and matching order/payment readback? If yes, please provide exact supported steps. If any part remains unsupported, please identify the limits and recommended pre-launch acceptance procedure. We need hosted-checkout guidance; separate SDK/API test payments do not verify that journey. Instructions only; no transactions or account changes requested. --- _[View the full topic](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682)._