Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide?
Are you confused about Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID? You are not alone. Many beginners face the same doubt when they first start using Razorpay for payments.
In this blog, we will explain Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide in very simple English. Even if you are not fluent in English, you will understand this step by step.
We will see what Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID means, how they are different, and how both are used in Razorpay setup.
What is Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID?
The Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID confusion comes because both terms sound similar. But in reality, they are used for different purposes.
The Key ID (also called API Key ID) is like a username for your website to connect with Razorpay.
Format:
rzp_live_xxxxxxxxx(for live mode) orrzp_test_xxxxxxxxx(for test mode).You use this Key ID inside your website or plugin.
It always works together with a Key Secret.
👉 Think of it like an ATM card number. It identifies your account but does not work alone. You also need the PIN (in Razorpay’s case, the Key Secret).
What is Razorpay Key Secret?
When you generate API keys in the Razorpay Dashboard, you get:
Key ID
Key Secret
The Key Secret is shown only once. You must save it safely.
👉 The Key Secret is like your ATM PIN. It must be kept private. Never share it publicly. Understanding Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID will also help you remember that the Key Secret always pairs with the Key ID, not the Merchant ID.
What is Razorpay Merchant ID?
The Merchant ID (MID) is your business ID in Razorpay.
Format: something like
ABCD1234567890.It is linked to your Razorpay account and is used for settlements and support.
You can find it in Dashboard → My Account → Profile.
👉 Think of Merchant ID as your business registration number in Razorpay. Many beginners mix up Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID here, but they are very different.
Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – The Difference
Now let us clear the confusion between Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID.
Key ID (API Key ID): Used for integration. It connects your website or app with Razorpay for payments.
Key Secret: Works with Key ID for authentication.
Merchant ID: Identifies your Razorpay business account. Not used in normal website integration.
So, when you set up payments, you usually need Key ID + Key Secret, not Merchant ID. This is the most important point of Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide.
Where to Find Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID?
Steps for Key ID and Key Secret
Login to Razorpay Dashboard.
Switch to Live Mode (for real payments).
Go to Account & Settings → API Keys.
Generate keys.
Copy Key ID and Key Secret (Secret shown only once).
Steps for Merchant ID
Login to Razorpay Dashboard.
Go to Account & Settings → Profile.
You will see your Merchant ID (MID) there.
👉 This is why people confuse Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID. Both appear in different dashboard areas, but they serve different purposes.
How to Use Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID in Website Setup?
If you are using WordPress / WooCommerce:
Go to Razorpay plugin settings.
Paste Key ID and Key Secret.
Save and test.
If you are using custom code:
Use Key ID and Secret in your API calls.
Always verify payment signatures on the server.
👉 Remember: Merchant ID is not required in normal website plugins. This is a classic case of Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID misunderstanding.
Extra Tip: Test Mode vs Live Mode
Test Mode: Use for checking payments. Transactions are not real.
Live Mode: Use for actual payments. Transactions are real.
You will get different Key IDs for Test and Live. Do not mix them. If you are testing, keep in mind the Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID difference still applies.
Why This Confusion Happens?
Many people see both “Merchant ID” and “Key ID” in their dashboard. The words look similar, but they are not the same.
Merchant ID = your Razorpay account ID.
Key ID = your Razorpay integration key.
Just remember this simple Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID difference, and you will never be confused again.
Simple Analogy for Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID
Merchant ID = Shop license number
Key ID + Key Secret = Shop door key + lock
One shows who you are (license).
The other lets you open the shop and do business (key + lock).
This analogy helps you quickly understand Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID in daily life terms.
Conclusion
We hope this blog cleared your confusion on Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide.
Always remember:
Use Key ID + Secret for integration.
Merchant ID is for account identity.
Keep your Key Secret safe.
Test first, then go live.
With this simple guide, you now know the real difference in Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID.
FAQ Section
What is Razorpay Key ID?
Razorpay Key ID is the unique API Key ID used to connect your website or app with Razorpay.
What is Razorpay Merchant ID?
Merchant ID is your business identification number in Razorpay. It is used for settlements and account verification, not for integration.
Is Key ID the same as API Key ID?
Yes. Razorpay Key ID and API Key ID mean the same thing.
Can I use the same Key ID on multiple websites?
Yes. If all websites belong to the same business, you can use the same API Key ID and Secret, but you must add each website in Razorpay Dashboard.
Where can I find my Razorpay Key ID and Key Secret?
You can find them in Dashboard → Account & Settings → API Keys. Key Secret is shown only once at the time of generation.
Where can I find my Razorpay Merchant ID?
You can find your Merchant ID in Dashboard → My Account → Profile.
Can I regenerate my Razorpay Key ID and Key Secret?
Yes. If you missed saving the Key Secret, you can regenerate new keys from Dashboard → Account & Settings → API Keys. The old keys will stop working, so update your website with the new ones.
Can I use one Razorpay account for multiple websites?
Yes. You can use the same API Key ID and Secret across multiple websites if they belong to the same business entity. But you must add and verify each website in Razorpay Dashboard under Business Website Details.
Do you w
