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

# Lifetime Credits vs Monthly Credits

> Understand the difference between Monthly Credits and Lifetime Credits, when each is used, and how they work together.

# Lifetime Credits vs Monthly Credits

One of the most common questions we receive is:

> **"I already bought more credits. Why is my subscription still renewing?"**

or

> **"Why can't I use my Lifetime Credits after my subscription expired?"**

This guide explains the differences between **Monthly Credits** and **Lifetime Credits** and how they work together.

***

## Monthly Credits

Monthly Credits are included with every paid subscription.

### Monthly Credits

* Included with your subscription
* Refresh every billing cycle
* Expire at the end of the billing cycle
* Do not roll over
* Can all be used in one day

<Info>
  Monthly Credits are renewed every billing cycle as long as your subscription remains active.
</Info>

***

## Lifetime Credits

Lifetime Credits are purchased separately through **Credit Top-Ups**.

They are designed for users who occasionally need additional credits beyond what their subscription provides.

### Lifetime Credits

* Purchased separately
* Never expire
* Added to your account permanently
* Are not a subscription
* Never renew automatically

***

# Comparison

| Feature                      | Monthly Credits        | Lifetime Credits |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------- |
| Included with subscription   | ✅                      | ❌                |
| Purchased separately         | ❌                      | ✅                |
| Expire                       | ✅ End of billing cycle | ❌ Never          |
| Auto Renew                   | ✅ With subscription    | ❌ Never          |
| Roll Over                    | ❌                      | ✅                |
| One-Time Purchase            | ❌                      | ✅                |
| Requires Active Subscription | ✅                      | ✅                |

***

# Which Credits Are Used First?

Runable automatically consumes credits in this order:

1. Daily Credits
2. Monthly Credits
3. Lifetime Credits

This helps preserve your Lifetime Credits for when you need them most.

***

# Example 1

You have:

* 25,000 Monthly Credits
* 50,000 Lifetime Credits

You use:

18,000 credits.

Result:

| Credit Type | Remaining |
| ----------- | --------- |
| Monthly     | 7,000     |
| Lifetime    | 50,000    |

***

# Example 2

You use:

35,000 credits.

Result:

| Credit Type | Remaining |
| ----------- | --------- |
| Monthly     | 0         |
| Lifetime    | 40,000    |

***

# Example 3

Your billing cycle ends.

Remaining:

* Monthly Credits: 12,000
* Lifetime Credits: 40,000

After renewal:

Monthly Credits become:

25,000

Lifetime Credits remain:

40,000

The unused 12,000 Monthly Credits expire.

***

# Why Didn't My Credits Renew?

Only **Monthly Credits** refresh every billing cycle.

Lifetime Credits stay exactly the same until they are used.

***

# I Purchased Credits. Why Is My Subscription Still Renewing?

This is probably the biggest misunderstanding.

Buying **Lifetime Credits** does **not**:

* Renew your subscription
* Extend your billing cycle
* Change your renewal date
* Cancel your existing subscription

Top-ups and subscriptions are two separate purchases.

***

# Can I Buy Lifetime Credits Without Changing My Plan?

Yes.

You can purchase Lifetime Credits whenever you need additional credits without upgrading your subscription.

***

# Why Can't I Use My Lifetime Credits?

Lifetime Credits require an **active subscription**.

If your subscription expires:

* Your Lifetime Credits stay in your account.
* They do not expire.
* They become usable again once you reactivate a subscription.

***

# What Happens If I Cancel My Subscription?

When your subscription ends:

* Monthly Credits expire at the end of the billing cycle.
* Lifetime Credits remain.
* Projects stay associated with your account.
* Website hosting stops.
* AI generation requires an active subscription.

Your Lifetime Credits will still be there when you subscribe again.

***

# Common Misunderstandings

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I bought Lifetime Credits. Why was I charged for my subscription again?">
    Lifetime Credits are separate from your subscription.

    Your subscription continues to follow its normal billing cycle unless cancelled.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I still have Lifetime Credits. Why can't I use them?">
    Lifetime Credits require an active subscription.

    They remain safely stored in your account until your subscription is reactivated.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do Lifetime Credits expire?">
    No.

    They remain available until you use them.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I transfer Lifetime Credits to another account?">
    No.

    Credits are linked to the account on which they were purchased.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do Lifetime Credits renew every month?">
    No.

    Only Monthly Credits refresh with your subscription.

    Lifetime Credits are a one-time purchase.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

# Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use Monthly Credits First">
    Runable automatically consumes Monthly Credits before Lifetime Credits.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep Your Subscription Active">
    Lifetime Credits require an active subscription to be used.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Need More Credits?">
    Purchase Lifetime Credits whenever your Monthly Credits are running low.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Need Lower Monthly Cost?">
    Downgrade your subscription instead of cancelling completely.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

# Summary

| Monthly Credits              | Lifetime Credits           |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Subscription benefit         | One-time purchase          |
| Refresh every billing cycle  | Never expire               |
| Expire monthly               | Stay forever               |
| Auto renew with subscription | Never renew                |
| Used before Lifetime Credits | Used after Monthly Credits |

***

## Related Guides

* How Credits Work
* Subscriptions Explained
* Website Hosting
* Billing FAQ