> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fireworks.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do credits work?

## How credits are applied

Fireworks operates with a **postpaid billing** system:

* **Prepaid credits are used first** for all usage
* Once credits are exhausted, you **continue to accrue charges** for additional usage
* **Usage charges** are billed at the end of each month
* **Prepaid credits are instantly applied** to any outstanding balance

**Example**: If you had a `$750` outstanding bill and added `$500` in credits, your bill would reduce to `$250`, with \$0 remaining credits available for new usage.

## Missing credits after purchase?

If you don't see your credits reflected immediately:

1. Visit your **billing dashboard**
2. Review the **"Credits"** section
3. Check your **current outstanding balance**

**Important**: Credits are always applied to any existing balance before being available for new usage. If you had an outstanding balance, your credits were automatically applied to reduce it.

## Why did I receive an invoice after depositing credits?

You'll receive an invoice for any usage that **exceeded your pre-purchased credits**. This process happens automatically, regardless of subscription status.

**Example**: If you deposited `$20` in credits but incurred `$83` in usage, you'll be billed for the `$63` difference at month-end.

## What happens when I finish my \$1 credit?

When you finish your \$1 credit, the following occurs:

## Account Status

* **Without payment method**: Your account will be **suspended** until you add a payment method. For request-rate behavior, see [Account quotas](/guides/quotas_usage/account-quotas#account-wide-request-limits); for serverless TPM upper bounds, see [Serverless rate limits](/serverless/rate-limits).
* **With payment method**: You can continue using the service with usage-based billing. [Account-wide request limits](/guides/quotas_usage/account-quotas#account-wide-request-limits) increase, and [serverless TPM upper bounds](/serverless/rate-limits) grow as your account spend tier rises.

**Payment Method Requirements:**

* Adding a payment method is required to continue service after credit depletion
* You're billed at the end of the month for actual usage
* You can incur bills up to your configured spend limit (default: \$50/month for new accounts)
* As you spend more with Fireworks, your adaptive usage limits and serverless TPM upper bounds can increase

## Where's my receipt for purchased credits?

Receipts for purchased credits are sent via Stripe upon purchase. Check your email for receipts from Stripe (not Fireworks). If you can't find your receipt, contact [community\_billing@fireworks.ai](mailto:community_billing@fireworks.ai).

<Note>
  For spend limits, tiers, and account-wide request limits, see [Account quotas](/guides/quotas_usage/account-quotas). For adaptive serverless TPM upper bounds, see [Serverless rate limits](/serverless/rate-limits).
</Note>