# Understanding AI Credits

Everything you need to know about how credits, tokens, and top-ups work.

## What Are AI Credits?

AI credits are the usage unit for Plugin Compass. Every AI-powered action—like generating code, analyzing files, or building plugins—consumes credits from your monthly allowance. This system ensures fair usage across all plans while providing flexibility for different project sizes.

Your plan includes a set number of credits each month that reset on your billing date. Credits do not roll over to the next month, so it's important to use them within your billing period.

## How Tokens Relate to Credits

Tokens are the basic units of text that AI models process. Think of them as words or word pieces—the average English word is roughly 4 characters or about 1.3 tokens. However, not all models use tokens at the same rate.

### Model Multipliers

Different AI models have different capabilities and costs, so they burn credits at different rates:

1x Standard Models

Efficient models for everyday tasks. 1 token = 1 credit.

2x Advanced Models

More capable models for complex tasks. 1 token = 2 credits.

3x Premium Models

Most powerful models for specialized tasks. 1 token = 3 credits.

Example: If you use a 2x model and process 2,500 tokens, you'll consume 5,000 credits from your monthly allowance. This multiplier system allows us to offer access to cutting-edge AI models while keeping pricing fair across all plan levels.

## Monthly Credit Limits by Plan

Each plan includes a monthly allocation of AI credits that resets at the start of each billing cycle:

Hobby 50,000 credits / month
Included
Starter 100,000 credits / month
Included
Professional 10,000,000 credits / month
Included
Enterprise 50,000,000 credits / month
Included

## Credit Top-Ups

Need more credits than your monthly allowance provides? You can purchase one-off credit top-ups at any time. These are instant and never expire, giving you flexibility for large projects or unexpected needs.

### Plan Discounts on Top-Ups

Paid plan subscribers receive automatic discounts on credit top-ups:

Professional Plan

2.5% discount on all top-up purchases.

Enterprise Plan

5% discount on all top-up purchases.

Top-ups can be purchased from your account settings or by visiting the token top-ups page. Payment is processed securely through Dodo Payments, and credits are added to your account immediately after successful payment.

## What Happens When You Run Out?

When you approach or exceed your monthly credit limit, you'll receive notifications in the builder interface. You have several options:

#### Upgrade Your Plan

Choose a higher plan with more monthly credits. Changes take effect immediately.

#### Purchase a Top-Up

Buy additional credits instantly. These never expire and are available immediately.

#### Wait for Reset

Your credits reset at the start of your next billing cycle. Check your account for your exact reset date.

## Quick Reference

### Average Usage Examples

- Small plugin (simple features): ~5,000-15,000 credits
- Medium plugin (moderate complexity): ~15,000-50,000 credits
- Large plugin (complex features): ~50,000-200,000 credits

### Tips to Maximize Credits

- Use standard models for simple tasks
- Review code before regeneration
- Break large projects into smaller plugins