Skip to main content
This tutorial was written by Claude Code (an AI) and has not yet been reviewed. Follow along with caution. If the tutorial was helpful or a specific part was not clear/correct, please provide feedback at the bottom of the page. Thank you.
This guide covers integrating Mercado Pago with CoCart Preview API. Requires CoCart v4.6+ and a configured Mercado Pago payment gateway.

Overview

Mercado Pago integration with CoCart uses Checkout Bricks for a modular, secure, and customizable payment solution. This provides PCI compliance while supporting 15+ payment methods popular in Latin America, including PIX (Brazil), cards, installments, and digital wallets. Mercado Pago is the leading payment platform in Latin America, operating in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

Prerequisites

Before implementing Mercado Pago checkout, ensure you have:
  1. Mercado Pago payment gateway configured in WooCommerce
  2. Mercado Pago Public Key and Access Token
  3. A valid cart with items added
  4. Customer billing address information
  5. Mercado Pago account (sandbox mode available)

Integration Flow

1

Load SDK

Initialize the Mercado Pago JavaScript SDK
2

Create Bricks Instance

Set up the Bricks Builder with your public key
3

Mount Card Payment Brick

Render the secure payment form
4

Collect Payment Data

Customer enters payment information in the Brick
5

Generate Payment Token

Submit Brick form to get payment token
6

Complete Checkout

Submit payment token to CoCart for processing

Step 1: Load Mercado Pago SDK

Include the SDK in your checkout page:
The Mercado Pago SDK is always served over HTTPS and includes the latest security updates.

Step 2: HTML Structure

Create containers for the payment Brick and form:

Step 3: Initialize Mercado Pago SDK

Set up the SDK with your public key:

Step 4: Create Card Payment Brick

Mount the payment form:

Step 5: Handle Brick Submission

Process the payment data when Brick form is submitted:

Step 6: Show Status Brick

Display payment result to customer:

Complete Integration Example

Here’s a complete working implementation:

Styling

Add CSS to style your checkout:

Testing

For development and testing with Mercado Pago:

Test Mode

Use test credentials from your Mercado Pago dashboard:
  • Public Key: Starts with TEST-
  • Access Token: Starts with TEST-

Test Cards by Country

Brazil (BRL):
  • Approved: 5031 4332 1540 6351 (Mastercard)
  • CVV: 123
  • Expiry: Any future date
  • Cardholder: APRO
Argentina (ARS):
  • Approved: 5031 7557 3453 0604 (Mastercard)
  • CVV: 123
  • Expiry: Any future date
  • Cardholder: APRO
Mexico (MXN):
  • Approved: 5474 9254 3267 0366 (Mastercard)
  • CVV: 123
  • Expiry: Any future date
  • Cardholder: APRO

Test Scenarios

To test different responses, use these cardholder names:
  • APRO: Approved payment
  • CONT: Pending payment
  • OTHE: Rejected (other reason)
  • CALL: Rejected (call to authorize)
  • FUND: Rejected (insufficient funds)
  • SECU: Rejected (security code)
  • EXPI: Rejected (expiration date)
  • FORM: Rejected (form error)

Test CPF/CNPJ (Brazil)

Use these test documents:
  • CPF: 12345678909
  • CNPJ: 12345678000190

Supported Payment Methods

Mercado Pago supports various payment methods by country:

Brazil

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Elo, Hipercard)
  • PIX (Instant payment)
  • Boleto Bancário
  • Mercado Pago Wallet

Argentina

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Naranja, Cabal)
  • Rapipago / Pago Fácil
  • Mercado Pago Wallet

Mexico

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • OXXO
  • SPEI
  • Mercado Pago Wallet

Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay

  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • Cash payments (varies by country)
  • Mercado Pago Wallet

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Problem: MercadoPago object is undefined.Solution:
  • Check browser console for errors
  • Verify correct SDK URL (v2)
  • Ensure HTTPS is enabled
Problem: Card Payment Brick doesn’t appear.Solution:
Problem: Can’t get payment token from Brick.Solution:
  • Ensure all required fields are filled
  • Verify card number is valid
  • Check expiration date is future
  • Validate CVV is correct length
Problem: Backend doesn’t accept Mercado Pago.Solution:
  • Verify Mercado Pago gateway enabled
  • Check payment method ID matches WooCommerce
  • Ensure public key is configured
Problem: Payment fails due to country mismatch.Solution:
  • Use correct public key for country
  • Match locale to customer’s country
  • Verify currency is supported
Problem: Works in test but not production.Solution:
Checklist:
  • Switch to production public key
  • Update credentials in WooCommerce
  • Verify account is activated
  • Test with real card (small amount)
Problem: PIX payments not working.Solution:
  • Ensure PIX is enabled in Mercado Pago account
  • Verify customer is in Brazil
  • Check amount is within PIX limits
  • Ensure QR code is displaying correctly
  • Verify PIX key is configured in account

Debug Mode

Getting Help

  1. Mercado Pago Documentation: Checkout Bricks Guide
  2. Mercado Pago Support: Contact through dashboard
  3. WooCommerce Logs: Check WooCommerce → Status → Logs

Best Practices

Security

  • Never expose Access Token on frontend
  • Always verify payments on server
  • Use HTTPS for all requests
  • Implement webhook verification
  • Handle payment IDP notifications
  • Enable 3DS authentication

User Experience

  • Pre-fill customer information
  • Show installment options clearly
  • Support local payment methods
  • Provide clear error messages
  • Display payment status
  • Enable retry for failed payments

Compliance

  • PCI DSS compliant via Bricks
  • Follow local regulations
  • Store customer data securely
  • Implement proper refund flows
  • Maintain transaction logs
  • Respect data privacy laws

Performance

  • Load SDK from official CDN
  • Cache payment contexts
  • Implement proper timeouts
  • Handle network errors
  • Monitor success rates
  • Set up IPN webhooks

Advanced Features

PIX Payments (Brazil)

For instant PIX payments:

Installments

Configure installment options:

Wallet Integration

Enable Mercado Pago Wallet:

Webhook Handling (IPN)

Mercado Pago sends notifications via IPN (Instant Payment Notification):

Error Handling

Handle common Mercado Pago errors:

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions: Brick not loading: Verify SDK is loaded and public key is correct. Payment rejected: Check test card details match the scenario. IPN not received: Configure webhook URL in Mercado Pago dashboard. Installments not showing: Verify payment method supports installments. Currency mismatch: Ensure amount matches account currency.
Always test your Mercado Pago integration thoroughly using test mode before going live. Configure IPN/webhooks to handle asynchronous payment updates. Monitor your Mercado Pago dashboard for chargebacks and disputes. Implement proper error logging for debugging payment issues.

Additional Resources