---
url: /cashfree-acellemail/requirements.md
description: >-
  What your server needs before installing Cashfree for AcelleMail — AcelleMail
  4.0+, PHP 8.2+, the ionCube Loader, a Cashfree account, outbound HTTPS and an
  active license.
---

# Requirements

Verify that your server environment meets the requirements below before installing the Cashfree gateways.

## Server and software

| Requirement | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **AcelleMail** | 4.0.0 or newer |
| **PHP** | 8.2 or newer (runs on 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5) |
| **ionCube Loader** | 13.0.2 or newer (see below) |
| **A Cashfree account** | With API keys (App ID + Secret Key) from the Cashfree dashboard |
| **Outbound HTTPS** | To Cashfree and to relyweb.co for licensing (port 443) |
| **License** | An active Cashfree gateway license |

Cashfree is **INR-only** for domestic payments and subscriptions, so both gateways only work with
INR-priced plans and invoices.

## The ionCube Loader

Cashfree is distributed as an ionCube-encoded package:

* **Extension requirement:** Requires the standard **ionCube Loader** PHP extension (identical to AcelleMail's core requirement).
* **Version support:** Requires **ionCube Loader 13.0.2 or newer** on PHP 8.2–8.5 (compatible with 14.x and 15.x Loaders).

::: danger Cashfree will not run without ionCube
If the Loader is missing or too old, installing the plugin can show **"ionCube Loader required"** or
leave you with a blank / parse-error page. Confirm the Loader is active for your PHP version:

```
php -m | grep -i ioncube
```

If it lists `ionCube Loader`, you are set. If it prints nothing, install (or update) the ionCube
Loader for your PHP version (8.2–8.5), then try again.
:::

## Why a Cashfree account and a license

Payment processing requires two essential prerequisites:

* **Cashfree merchant account:** Provides your API credentials (`x-client-id` and `x-client-secret`) for payment processing and settlements. See [Get your API keys](/cashfree-acellemail/guides/get-api-keys).
* **Active plugin license:** Controls gateway availability in **Admin → Payment Gateways**. Gateways auto-generate once an Active license is saved. See [Licensing](/cashfree-acellemail/licensing).

## How to check

* **AcelleMail version** — your admin footer shows the running version; confirm it is 4.0.0 or newer.
* **PHP version** — run `php -v` on the server, or check your hosting panel.
* **ionCube Loader** — `php -m | grep -i ioncube` should list `ionCube Loader`; if it does not,
  install it for your PHP version.
* **Cashfree account** — confirm you can log in to the Cashfree dashboard and reach
  **Developers → API Keys**.
* **Outbound HTTPS** — the server must reach Cashfree and relyweb.co on port 443.

## Related pages

* [Installation](/cashfree-acellemail/installation)
* [Configuration](/cashfree-acellemail/configuration)
* [Get your API keys](/cashfree-acellemail/guides/get-api-keys)
* [Licensing](/cashfree-acellemail/licensing)
* [Troubleshooting](/cashfree-acellemail/troubleshooting)