# Payments via Polar: what it doesn't do, and FAQ

> The limits of Payments via Polar, and answers to common questions.

## What it doesn't do

- **Digital products only.** Polar's terms allow digital goods only, so the gateway hides itself when a cart needs shipping.
- **Only currencies Polar can present.** The gateway hides itself in any other store currency. Polar pays out in US dollars.
- **No discount codes on Polar's page**, and no coupons on subscriptions.
- **Subscriptions** can't have sign-up fees, free trials, a fixed number of payments or synchronised renewal days. Several can share a checkout only if they renew on the same schedule, one plan of each product.
- **Don't charge WooCommerce taxes.** Polar calculates tax.

## FAQ

### My checkout says "There are no payment methods available"

Test mode is on, and you aren't signed in as a store manager or a tester. While test mode is on, Polar is offered only to them, so shoppers never reach a sandbox checkout. Sign in, add the account under [Testers](/docs/payments-via-polar/test-mode/), or turn test mode off once you've taken a sandbox payment from start to finish.

Polar also hides itself when the cart needs shipping, when your store's currency isn't one Polar can present, and until the environment in use has a token and a webhook secret.

### What does Polar receive?

Checkout, payment, refund, product and subscription requests go to Polar (`api.polar.sh`, and `sandbox-api.polar.sh` in test mode), with the order total, currency, the shopper's name, email and IP address, company name (when given), your store's language, the order's ID, number and key, your site's address, and the names and quantities of the items. For signed-in customers it also sends an ID made of your site's host and their user ID, so Polar knows them next time. A tax ID is sent only if another plugin supplies one. Product sync sends each product's name, short description, price and ID. Polar's terms and privacy policy apply.

### What happens to my data if I delete the plugin?

Deleting it removes the plugin's own records (the webhook delivery log, connection test results, which Polar product each product is) and its scheduled payment checks and product syncs. Your Polar settings and your license key stay in WooCommerce, and past orders keep their Polar details, so refunds and records still make sense if you reinstall.

### Does it work with the checkout block?

Yes, and with the classic checkout. It's HPOS compatible.

### Where do I enter my license key?

In **WooCommerce › Settings › Payments › Polar.sh**, in the License card at the bottom.

Checked against Payments via Polar for WooCommerce 1.2.3 on main, 19 October 2026.