Using Credits for Flexible Usage in ChatGPT (Free/Go/Plus/Pro)

Overview

We're adding the ability for you to purchase credits when you reach your plan's included limits, without the need to upgrade your plan. Credits currently can only be used with Codex (for Plus/Pro users only) and ChatGPT for Excel.

What changes for my plan

• Nothing about your plan changes. You still get your plan's included usage.

• Credits are a pay-as-you-go add-on for Codex and ChatGPT for Excel when you need more usage beyond plan limits

• Flexible pricing for Codex is currently available. Flexible pricing for ChatGPT for Excel will take effect starting May 5, 2026.

How credits work

Your plan's included usage is used first. After you hit plan limits, usage draws from your credit balance. Read about Codex usage limits.

For Plus and Pro, ChatGPT for Excel usage counts toward the same agentic usage limit as Codex.

If you hit a usage limit in Codex on Plus or Pro, you'll see an option to add credits. You can also buy credits from Codex Settings > Usage > Credits on both web and the Codex app. Free and Go users are prompted to upgrade to Plus instead of adding credits for Codex.

Eligible Plus and Pro users can also turn on Auto top-up from Codex Settings > Usage. When your credit balance drops below your selected minimum balance, we automatically purchase only the amount needed to return it to your selected target balance using your default payment method on file. If your balance is already below the minimum when you turn it on, a purchase may happen right away.


Note: Auto top-up applies to your shared credits balance, so those credits can still be used across supported features like Codex and ChatGPT for Excel.

See your balance on ChatGPT web by navigating to Codex Settings > Usage Dashboard. This shows credits balance and recent usage.

Rate Card

Codex

For Codex rates, refer to the Codex rate card.

ChatGPT for Excel

A typical ChatGPT for Excel/Sheets task using GPT-5.5 may consume between 5-30 credits per task.

FAQs

Can I use the same credits for different features?

Yes. Your credits are flexible - they work across any supported feature available in your plan. Currently, this includes Codex for Plus/Pro subscribers and ChatGPT for Excel for all users (once pricing is effective for that feature).

For example, if you buy credits in Codex, you can use those credits for ChatGPT for Excel features as well, above and beyond included rate limits.

Can I use auto top-up with credits?

Eligible Plus and Pro users can turn on auto top-up from Codex Settings > Usage Dashboard. When your credit balance drops below your selected minimum balance, we automatically purchase only the amount needed to return it to your selected target balance using your default payment method on file. If your balance is already below the minimum when you turn it on, a purchase may happen right away.

Are credits refundable?

Credits are non-refundable, except where required by law. We may restore credits in cases of confirmed account compromise (see below).

Do credits expire or roll over?

Credits are valid for 12 months from purchase. Unused credits expire and do not roll over after the expiry date.

What happens if credits are used due to a compromised account?

If your account is compromised and credits are used without authorization, contact support@openai.com immediately. We will investigate the incident, restore lost credits if misuse is confirmed, and assist with password resets and security controls. We also recommend that you take immediate steps to secure the account by following the steps outlined here: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7242626-how-can-i-report-fraud-or-suspicious-activity

Are credits transferable?

Credits are non-transferable, have no cash value, and cannot be resold or gifted.

What terms govern the purchase of credits?

Credits are subject to the above and the Service credit terms: https://openai.com/policies/service-credit-terms/