# Getting Started
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/payment-account-management/documentation/getting-started/index.md

## Overview {#overview}

To understand how to use the Payment Account Management service:

* Review the [API Basics](https://developer.mastercard.com/payment-account-management/documentation/api-basics/index.md) and [API Reference](https://developer.mastercard.com/payment-account-management/documentation/api-reference/index.md) sections to become familiar with the service.
* Read the general guidance on how to use [OAuth 1.0a](https://developer.mastercard.com/platform/documentation/security-and-authentication/using-oauth-1a-to-access-mastercard-apis/) to access Mastercard APIs.
* Refer to the [Tutorials and Guides](https://developer.mastercard.com/payment-account-management/documentation/onboarding/index.md) for creating a project and moving to the Production.

Note: If you are not a Mastercard customer you should contact a Mastercard representative.

## Quick Start Guide {#quick-start-guide}

### Step 1 -- Log In {#step-1----log-in}

If you do not have an account with us:

1. Create a [Mastercard Developers](https://developer.mastercard.com/account/sign-up) account.
2. Validate your account by following the link sent to your email.

### Step 2 -- Review {#step-2----review}

Review the resources offered on Mastercard Developers:

1. API overview pages.
2. API technical documentation, including API reference sections:
   * Security reference implementation
   * Use cases
   * Tutorials
   * FAQs.
3. Support articles.

### Step 3 -- Create {#step-3----create}

Create a project and download your sandbox keys.

### Step 4 -- Integrate {#step-4----integrate}

Test using a simple [Integration](https://developer.mastercard.com/payment-account-management/documentation/onboarding/integration/index.md).

### Step 5 -- Go Live {#step-5----go-live}

After you have tested your implementation in our sandbox environments, it is time to move to Production.

## Implementation Process {#implementation-process}

The implementation process typically takes around 4-6 weeks. The time to implement will vary depending on the complexity of your own systems and will include registration, testing connectivity, key exchange, determining testing scope and testing within the various environments. A Mastercard project is required and an Implementation Manager will be assigned.

![Implementation Process](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/payment-account-management/documentation/getting-started/img/implementation_process_diagram2.png)

## Good to Know {#good-to-know}

You can test the Payment Account Management API in two environments: Sandbox and Mastercard Test Facility (MTF). Refer to the [Environment Domains](https://developer.mastercard.com/payment-account-management/documentation/api-basics/index.md#environments-and-key-usage) section for credential and onboarding details.
Note: In order to keep the performance as high as possible and provide the most optimized response time, Mastercard reserves the right to throttle requests during peak periods. This throttling limit will apply when there is a need to reduce the risk of overloading the platform with a high volume of API calls.