# Your first checkout rule

> Use the Rules page setup guide to create a rule as a draft, test it at checkout with the test email, then activate it.

Source: https://backtrackhq.com/docs/get-started/first-checkout-rule/

A checkout rule changes your checkout when its conditions match, for
example "hide Cash on Delivery for international orders". The setup
guide on the **Rules** page, **Create your first rule**, walks you
through it in three steps.

> **Note:** Checkout rules and discount rules work on every plan, the
> Free plan too, within its active rule limit. See
> [Plans and billing](https://backtrackhq.com/docs/get-started/plans-and-billing/).

## Before you start

- Install AndOr. Checkout rules do not need the app embed.
- On **Home**, click **Open Rules** on the **Control checkout** card.
  Or open **Rules** from the app menu.

## Step 1: create your rule as a draft

A draft rule runs only for you, so real shoppers are not affected.

1. **On the Rules page, use the Quick finder or click Create rule.**

   The Quick finder asks **What do you want to set up?** Type what you
   need, for example "hide COD", or pick a popular use case. Or click
   **Create rule** and choose a rule type, for example **Hide payment
   methods**.

   (Screenshot: The Create your first rule guide on the Rules page)

2. **Name the rule and set its conditions.**

   Give it a clear **Rule name**. To save time, click **Start from a
   use case** and pick a ready-made rule, then change the values. Set
   the conditions that decide when the rule runs, and the action, for
   example which payment method to hide.

   (Screenshot: A hide payment method rule form)

3. **Keep the Status as Draft and click Save rule.**

   The **Status** card shows a hint with the test email. Enter it at
   checkout to see the draft in action.

   (Screenshot: The Status card set to Draft with the test email hint)

## Step 2: test it at checkout

1. **Add products that match your rule to the cart, go to checkout and
   enter the test email from the rule's Status card.**

   For example, if the rule hides a payment method over an order total,
   make the cart bigger than that total. Draft rules run only for
   that test email. Check that the rule did what you expect,
   for example that the payment method is hidden.

   (Screenshot: Checkout payment section without Cash on Delivery)

> **Tip:** Test from your storefront, not with a draft order in the
> admin. Payment and shipping rules don't show while you build a draft
> order. Give the checkout a few seconds to refresh after you save.

## Step 3: activate the rule

1. **On the Rules page, select your rule and click Activate.**

   Tick the checkbox next to the rule in the rules table, then click
   **Activate**. The rule now runs for all shoppers. You can edit it
   later.

   (Screenshot: Selecting a rule in the rules table)

To turn a rule off without deleting it, select it and click
**Deactivate**.