> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.taprails.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Management API Overview

> Programmatic backend-to-backend access for fintech engineering teams.

The **Management API** provides direct access to TapRails infrastructure for fintech companies integrating tap-to-pay into their existing platforms. This API is designed for **backend-to-backend** communication — your servers call TapRails, not your mobile SDK.

## Base URL

```
https://api.taprails.com/api/v1/management
```

## Authentication

Management API endpoints require an **SDK API Key** (`pk_test_...` or `pk_live_...`) for authentication:

1. **Header**: `x-api-key: pk_live_your_key`
2. **Bearer Token**: `Authorization: Bearer pk_live_your_key`

<Note>
  Use your **Test Key** (`pk_test_...`) for development and your **Live Key** (`pk_live_...`) for production. Keys are issued on company registration and can be viewed in the dashboard under **Settings → API Keys**.
</Note>

## Resource Summary

| Category                                             | Description                                                            |
| :--------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [**Merchants**](/api-reference/management/merchants) | Provision merchants, view financial ledger, pause/reactivate accounts. |
| [**Payments**](/api-reference/management/payments)   | List and filter payment history across all merchants.                  |
| [**Pool**](/api-reference/management/pool)           | Monitor treasury balance and transaction history.                      |

## Error Format

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "The provided merchant email is already in use."
}
```

Standard HTTP status codes are used: `200` success, `400` validation, `401` auth, `403` forbidden, `404` not found, `409` conflict, `500` server error.

***

Next: [Merchant Management →](/api-reference/management/merchants)