# Simulate a Test Transaction
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/transaction-notifications/documentation/use-cases/simulate-test-transaction/index.md

Use the `/notifications/transactions` endpoint to generate a test transaction notification. This enables you to verify that your webhook receives and processes notifications correctly before moving to Production.

## How It Works {#how-it-works}

The following diagram shows the flow for simulating a test transaction:
Diagram simulatetesttransaction

1. You enrol a test card using [Consent Management \& Enrollment](https://developer.mastercard.com/consent-management/documentation/). You receive a `cardReference` during enrollment.
2. Your service sends a `POST /notifications/transactions` request to Mastercard. The request body requires `cardholderAmount`, `cardholderCurrency`, and `merchantName`. You can also include optional fields to customize the simulated notification:
   * **`cardReference` or `cardNumber`** : At least one is required to identify the enrolled card. If both are sent, the `cardReference` takes precedence and the `cardNumber` is ignored.
   * **`cleared`** : Set to `true` to schedule a test clearing notification in addition to the authorization notification.
   * **Transaction details** : Include fields such as `channel`, `issuerResponse`, `transactionType`, and `messageType` to simulate different transaction scenarios.
3. Mastercard creates a simulated test transaction for the enrolled card.
4. Mastercard sends the test notification to your webhook endpoint. The notification payload matches the format of a real-time production notification, including the card reference, amount, merchant details, and issuer decision.
5. Your service processes the notification using the `cardReference` to identify the cardholder.
6. Your service optionally sends a communication to the consumer.

Note: This endpoint is available only in the Sandbox environment. It is not accessible in Production.

## Endpoint Structure {#endpoint-structure}


API Reference: `POST /notifications/transactions`

## Next Steps {#next-steps}

* [View the full Open API specification](https://developer.mastercard.com/transaction-notifications/documentation/api-reference/index.md)
* [Review the API's error responses](https://developer.mastercard.com/transaction-notifications/documentation/codes-and-formats/index.md)