# SparkPost

Source: https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/mailer-sparkpost/
Updated: 2026-10-19 · By Duane Garner

Connect CRM-NG SMTP to SparkPost with an API key that can send transmissions, the right US or EU region, and a verified sending domain.

This guide shows you how to send your WordPress email through SparkPost, a high-volume email service used by large senders. It suits busy sites and businesses that want detailed analytics. SparkPost has offered a free test account with a small monthly allowance; check its site for the current terms. The company is now part of Bird, so you may see that name in places.

 

The **SparkPost** mailer sends through SparkPost's API with an API key. SparkPost runs separate US and EU platforms, and your key only works on the one where your account lives.

 

## Before you start

 
- A SparkPost account. Note whether you signed up at `app.sparkpost.com` (US) or `app.eu.sparkpost.com` (EU).
- A domain you control, with access to its DNS records.
- Administrator access to your WordPress site.

 

## Step 1: Add and verify your sending domain

 
1. Sign in to SparkPost
  Go to `https://app.sparkpost.com/` (or `https://app.eu.sparkpost.com/` for EU accounts) and sign in.
2. Open Domains
  Open **Configuration → Domains** (older layouts call it **Sending Domains**) and choose **Add a Domain**.
3. Add your domain
  Enter the domain you send from and choose to use it for sending.
4. Publish the DKIM record
  SparkPost shows a TXT record for DKIM. Add it at your DNS provider and press the verify button.
5. Add a bounce domain (optional)
  SparkPost can also give you a CNAME for a bounce domain, which aligns SPF with your domain. Add it if you want stronger DMARC results.

 

Need help? See [Adding DNS records](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/dns-records/).

 

## Step 2: Create an API key

 
1. Open API Keys
  Open **Configuration → API Keys** (the plugin's **Get API Key** link opens the page for the region you select) and choose **New API Key** or **Create API Key**.
2. Name it
  Use a name that identifies the site.
3. Set permissions
  Choose to select permissions yourself and tick **Transmissions: Read/Write**. That is the only permission the site needs.
4. Copy the key
  Create the key and copy it now. SparkPost shows it once.

 

## Step 3: Connect in CRM-NG SMTP

 
1. Choose the mailer
  In WordPress, open **CRM-NG SMTP → Settings → General** and set **Mailer** to **SparkPost**.
2. Paste the key
  Paste the key into **API Key**.
3. Pick the region
  Under **Region**, choose **US** or **EU** to match the SparkPost site you signed up on.
4. Set the sender
  Set **From Email** to an address on your verified domain and set **From Name**. Tick **Force From Email** so other plugins cannot send from an unverified domain.
5. Save
  Press **Save Settings**.

 

## Send a test email

 

Open **CRM-NG SMTP → Tools → Email Test**, enter your address in **Send To**, and press **Send Email**. In SparkPost, the events or message search page shows whether the message was delivered. See [Sending a test email](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/send-a-test-email/).

 

The test page's domain check looks for `sparkpostmail.com` in your SPF record. If you set up a bounce domain, SparkPost handles SPF through it, so make sure DKIM and DMARC pass. See [Adding DNS records](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/dns-records/).

 

## Troubleshooting

 
- The key is wrong, lacks the Transmissions permission, or the region is wrong: [401 Unauthorized or Forbidden](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/error-401-unauthorized-or-forbidden/)
- The key was mistyped or deleted: [Invalid API key](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/error-invalid-api-key/)
- The recipient is on your suppression list: [Email address in suppression list](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/error-email-in-suppression-list/)
- The From domain is not verified: [553 Sender address rejected](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/error-553-sender-address-rejected/)
- You have reached your plan's limit: [Email sending limit reached](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/error-email-sending-limit/)
- SparkPost suspended the account: [Account blocked](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/error-account-blocked/)
- Mail arrives in spam: [Emails landing in spam](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/emails-landing-in-spam/)

 

## Related

 
- [Choosing a mail service](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/choose-a-mailer/)
- [Adding DNS records: SPF, DKIM and DMARC](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/dns-records/)
- [Verifying your DNS records](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/verify-dns-records/)
- [Sender name, address and the Force settings](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/sender-name-and-address/)
- [Debug events](https://catalystgroup.gg/docs/email-delivery/debug-events/)