What happens when your credits run out
When your Usage balance reaches zero, paid models stop until you add credits. You can buy a top-up or move to a larger plan. Free messages are separate from the paid balance and do not refill a paid plan.
What credits pay for
Credits are the usage unit for model calls, search, and image generation. Every plan includes a monthly allowance. Heavier models and longer conversations use more credits than short ones.
At zero
- Paid model calls are blocked with an upgrade or top-up prompt.
- Your chats, documents, and memory are not deleted.
- A top-up adds credits without changing your plan.
- An upgrade adds credits and may raise your daily limits.
Top-up or upgrade
A top-up is the smaller move. It is for finishing the month on the plan you already have. An upgrade is the better deal if you are running out every month, because the larger plan includes more credits for the price.
Why usage varies
A short question to a fast model costs little. A long thread with a heavy model, a file, and a search costs more. The Usage page shows what you have used and what is left.
Updated October 26, 2026. Still stuck? Email support@swirlai.app.