# Testing Recurring Card Payments

HTML version: [Testing Recurring Card Payments](https://support.gladstonesoftware.cloud/gladstone360/testing-recurring-card-payments)

## Problem
Before go-live you need to test that Recurring Card Payments (RCP) succeed, that failures raise a debt and restrict access, and that clearing the debt restores access.

## Resolution

1. **Use the test environment and test cards**
   - Use test card details on the **test environment only**.
   - A mock dialog may ask whether to treat the payment as authorised, not authorised or suspended. Choose **authorised** for a successful test.

2. **Simulate a failure**
   - Complete a test purchase.
   - In Plus2, change the subscription's next renewal date to tomorrow to force an early collection.
   - An invalid or expired test card produces the failure path and email.

3. **Check each outcome**
   - RCP succeeds and entitlement continues.
   - RCP fails, debt is raised and access is restricted.
   - The customer clears the debt and access is restored.

## Notes

- For test-card rules, see [Testing Gladstone Go Before Go-Live](../gooperator/testing-gladstone-go-before-go-live.md).
- After go-live, confirm the batch-submission updates and customer emails are arriving. See [Configuring the RCP Service in the GMC](configuring-the-rcp-service-in-the-gmc.md).
- Related: [Recurring Card Payments (RCP)](recurring-card-payments-rcp.md).