OpenAI

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

Key information and FAQs about using credits

Updated: 43 minutes ago

Credits extend usage for supported features after included plan limits are reached. The supported feature set can change; the usage page and rate card show the options available to your plan.

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 supported features when you need more usage beyond plan limits.

  • Flexible pricing availability varies by feature and plan. Check the usage page for what is available to your account.

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, supported agentic features, including Codex, ChatGPT Work, and ChatGPT for Excel, can draw from the same agentic usage allowance.

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.

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.


Auto top-up applies to your shared credits balance, so credits can be used across supported features such as Codex, ChatGPT Work, 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

ModelInput tokensCached input tokensOutput tokens
GPT-5.5125 credits12.50 credits750 credits

A typical ChatGPT for Excel/Sheets task using GPT-5.5 may consume between 5 and 20 credits per task.

ChatGPT for PowerPoint

ModelInput tokensCached input tokensOutput tokens
GPT-5.5125 credits12.50 credits750 credits

A typical ChatGPT for PowerPoint task using GPT-5.5 may consume between 10 and 50 credits per task.

FAQs

Can I use the same credits for different features?

Yes. Credits work across supported features available to your plan, which can include Codex, ChatGPT Work, and ChatGPT for Excel.

For example, credits added through Codex can be used by other supported features on the same eligible account after included limits are reached.

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/

Was this article helpful?